A 


YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 


liY 

EDWARD    P.    ROE, 


AUTHOR    OK 


'BARRIERS  BUKNEU  AWAY,"  "WITHOUT  A  HOME, 
"  His  SOMUKK  RIVALS,"  ETC.,  ETC. 


NEW  YORK: 
DODD,    MEAD    &    COMPANY, 

PUBLISHERS. 


COPYRIGHT,  1884, 

BY 
DODD,   MEAD   i   COMPANY, 


CONTENTS. 


CHATTER    I. 

PACK 

A  CRESCENT  OF  A  GIRL,      .......         13 

CHAPTER    II. 
GRAYUON  M.UIK, 23 

CHAPTER    HI. 
THK  PARTING 35 

CHAPTER    IV. 
EFFORT 45 

CHAPTER    V. 

ACHIKVKMKNT,  .........  58 

CHAPTER    VI. 
TIIL:  SKCRKT  OK  BK.AUTY,     ........         6g 

CHAPTER     VII. 
NOT  A  MIKACI.K, So 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
RIVAL  GIRI.S,         .........         90 

CHAPTER    IX. 
Tin:  Mi. F.TIM;,  no 


iv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER   X. 

PAGE 

OLD  TIES  BROKEN 121 

CHAPTER   XI. 
"  I  FEAR  I  SHALL  FAIL," 133 

CHAPTER    XII. 
THE  PROMPTINGS  OF  Miss  WILDMERE'S  HEART,       .        .       142 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
%<  You  WILL  BE  DISAPPOINTED,"         .....      if>o 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Miss  WILDMERK'S  STRATEGY,      ......        170 

CHAPTER   XV. 

PERPLEXED  AND  BEGUILED,          .         .         .         .         .         .181 

CHAPTER    XVI. 
DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE,         .....       201 

CHAPTER    XVII. 
NOT  STRONG  IN  VAIN, 210 

CHAPTER   XVIII. 
MAKE  YOUR  TERMS,     ........       321 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
AN  OHJECT  FOR  SYMPATHY,        ......       234 

CHAPTER  XX. 
"  VEILED  WOOING," 242 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
SUGGESTIVE  TONES 258 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

PAGE 

DISHEARTENING    CONFIDENCES, 267 

CHAPTER   XXIII. 

THE  FILIAL  MARTYR, 275 

CHAPTER    XXIV. 
"1'i.L  SEE  HOW  You  BEHAVE," 283 

CHAPTER   XXV. 

GOSSAMER  THREADS 297 

CHAPTER    XXVI. 

MRS.   MUIR'S  ACCOUNT ,  3°3 

CHAPTER    XXVII. 
MADCK'S  STORY, .       3*4 

CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

DISPASSIONATE  LOVERS .       329 

CHAPTER    XXIX. 

THE  ENEMIES'   PLANS, 343 

CHAPTER    XXX. 
THE  STRONG  MAN   UNMANNED,  .....       355 

CHAPTER    XXXI. 
CHECKMATE,  .........       370 

CHAPTER    XXXII. 
MADGE  is  MATTER-OF-FACT,         ......       J7<> 

CHAPTER    XXXIII. 
THE  END  OK   DIPLOMACY,  .  3<M 


vi  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

PACK 

BROKEN  LIGHTS  AND  SHADOWS,          ....  404 

CHAPTER    XXXV. 
A  NEW  EXPERIMENT, 414 

CHAPTER    XXXVI. 
MADGE  ALDEN'S  RIDE,          .         .         .         .         .         .         .410; 

CHAPTER   XXXVII. 
"You  ARE  VERY  BLIND," 431 

CHAPTER    XXXVIII. 
"CERTAINLY  I   REFUSE  You," 443 

CHAPTER    XXXIX. 
"MY  TRUE  FRIEND," .       451 

CHAPTER   XL. 
THE  END  OF  THE  WOOING,         .  46-' 


CHAPTER    I. 

A    CRESCENT   OF   A    GIRL. 

WHEN  Madge  Aldcn  was  seventeen  years  of 
age  an  event  occurred  which  promised  to  be 
the  misfortune  of  her  life.  At  first  she  was  almost 
overwhelmed  and  knew  not  what  to  do.  She  was 
but  a  young  and  inexperienced  girl,  and  for  a  year 
or  more  had  been  regarded  as  an  invalid. 

Madge  Alden  was  an  orphan.  Four  years  prior 
to  the  opening  of  our  story  she  had  lost  her  mother, 
her  surviving  parent,  and  since  had  resided  with  her 
elder  sister  Mary,  who  \vas  several  years  her  senior, 
and  had  married  Henry  Muir,  a  merchant  of  New 
York  City.  This  gentleman  had  cordially  united 
with  his  wife  in  offering  Madge  a  home,  and  his 
manner  toward  the  young  girl,  as  far  as  his  absorbed 
and  busy  life  permitted,  had  been  almost  paternal. 
He  was  a  quiet,  reticent  man,  who  had  apparently 
concentrated  every  faculty  of  soul  and  body  on 
the  problem  of  commercial  success.  Trained  to 
business  from  boyhood,  he  had  allowed  it  to  be 
come  his  life,  and  he  took  it  very  seriously.  It 
was  to  him  an  absorbing  game, -—his  vocation,  and 
not  a  means  to  some  ulterior  end.  He  had  al- 


14  .-/    YOU<\~G    GIRL'S    M'OOTXG. 

ready  accumulated  enough  to  maintain  his  family 
in  affluence,  but  he  no  more  thought  of  retiring 
from  trade  than  would  a  veteran  whist-player 
wish  to  throw  up  a  handful  of  winning  cards.  The 
events  of  the  world,  the  fluctuations  in  prices, 
over  which  he  had  no  control,  brought  to  his  en 
deavor  the  elements  of  chance,  and  it  was  his  mis 
sion  to  pit  against  these  uncertainties  untiring  in 
dustry  and  such  skill  and  foresight  as  he  possessed. 

His  domestic  life  was  favorable  to  his  ruling  pas 
sion.  Mary  Alden,  at  the  time  of  her  marriage,  was 
a  quiet  girl,  whose  early  life  had  been  shadowed  by 
sorrow.  She  had  seen  her  father  pass  away  in  his 
prime,  and  her  mother  become  in  consequence  a  sad 
and  failing  woman.  The  young  girl  rallied  from 
these  early  years  of  depression  into  cheerfulness, 
and  thoroughly  enjoyed  what  some  might  regard  as 
a  monotonous  life  ;  but  she  never  developed  any 
taste  for  the  diversions  of  society.  Thus  it  may  be 
surmised  that  Mr.  Muir  encountered  no  distractions 
after  business  hours.  He  ever  found  a  good  dinner 
awaiting  him,  and  his  wife  held  herself  in  readiness 
to  do  what  he  wished  during  the  evening,  so  far  as 
the  claims  of  the  children  permitted.  Therefore 
there  were  few  more  contented  men  in  the  city  than 
he,  and  the  name  of  Henry  Muir  had  become  a 
synonyme  among  his  acquaintances  for  methodical 
business  habits. 

In  character  and  antecedents  his  younger  brother, 
Graydon  Muir,  who  was  also  an  inmate  of  his  fam 
ily,  presented  many  marked  contrasts  to  the  elder 
man.  He  had  received  a  liberal  education,  and  had 


A    CRESCKiYr   OF  A    CTRL.  15 

graduated  at  a  city  college.  He  had  developed 
into  one  of  the  best  products  of  metropolitan  life, 
and  his  defects  were  chiefly  due  to  the  circum 
stances  of  his  lot.  During  his  academic  course  he 
had  been  known  as  an  athletic  rather  than  a  book 
ish  man,  and  had  left  his  Alma  Mater  with  an 
Apollo-like  physique.  At  the  same  time  he  had 
developed  fine  literary  tastes,  and  was  well  in 
formed,  even  if  he  had  not  gone  very  deeply  into 
the  classics  and  the  sciences  that  were  remote  from 
the  business  career  which  he  had  chosen.  After  a 
brief  interval  of  foreign  travel  he  had  entered  his 
brother's  office,  and  \vas  schooling  his  buoyant, 
pleasure-loving  temperament  to  the  routine  of  trade. 
When  business  hours  were  ever,  however,  Graydon 
gave  himself  up  to  the  gratification  of  his  social 
tastes.  His  vitality  and  flow  of  spirits  were  so  im 
mense  that  wherever  he  went  he  always  caused  a 
breezy  ripple  of  excitement.  Even  veteran  society 
girls  found  something  exhilarating  in  the  mirthful 
flash  of  his  blue  eyes,  and  to  be  whirled  through  a 
waltz  on  his  strong  arm  was  a  pleasure  not  declined 
by  reigning  belles.  Many  looks  that  to  other  men 
might  have  been  the  arrows  of  Cupid  were  directed 
toward  him,  but  they  glanced  harmlessly  from  his 
polished  armor.  Society  was  to  him  what  business 
was  to  his  brother, — an  arena  in  which  he  easily 
manifested  his  power.  At  the  same  time  he  was  a 
manly  fellow,  and  had  no  taste  for  corner  flirtations 
or  the  excitement  of  drawing  perilously  near  to  a 
committal  with  those  who  would  have  responded  to 
marked  attentions.  The  atmosphere  he  loved  was 


16  A   YOUNG    CYA'/AV    WOOI.VG. 

that  of  general  and  social  gaycty.  The  girls  that  he 
singled  out  for  his  especial  regard  were  noted  for 
their  vivacity  and  intelligence,  as  well  as  their 
beauty.  Meanwhile  he  had  won  a  reputation  for 
his  goocl-natured  attentions  to  "wall-flowers." 
Such  kindly  efforts  were  rarely  made  at  the  prompt 
ings  of  conscience.  The  truth  was,  he  enjoyed  life 
so  fully  himself  that  he  disliked  to  see  any  one  hav 
ing  a  dismal  time.  It  gave  him  genuine  pleasure  to 
come  to  a  plain-featured,  neglected  damsel,  and  set 
all  her  blood  tingling  by  a  brief  whirl  in  a  dance  or 
a  brce/y  chat  that  did  her  good,  body  and  soul,  so 
devoid  of  satire  or  patronage  was  the  attention. 
His  superb  health  and  tireless  strength,  his  perfect 
familiarity  with  the  usages  of  society,  and  his  grace 
ful  decision  of  action  made  everything  he  did  appear 
as  easy  and  natural  as  the  beat  of  a  bird's  w'ng 
upon  the  air,  and  in  his  large  circle  it  was  felt  that 
no  entertainment  was  complete  without  his  pres 
ence. 

Grayclon  was  still  attending  college  when  Madge 
Alden  first  became  associated  with  him  in  her 
home-life.  She  was  then  but  thirteen,  and  was 
small  and  slight  for  her  age.  The  first  evening 
when  she  came  clown  to  dinner,  shrinking  in  the 
shadow  of  her  sister,  lingered  ever  in  her  memory. 
Even  now  it  gave  her  pain  to  recall  her  embarrass 
ment  when  she  was  compelled  to  take  her  seat  in  the 
full  blaze  of  the  light  and  meet  the  eyes  of  the  one 
to  whom  she  felt  that  she  must  appear  so  very  plain 
and  unattractive.  Clad  in  the  deepest  mourning, 
pallid  from  grief  and  watching  at  her  mother's  bed- 


A    CRRSCEXr   OF  A    CTRL.  17 

side,  coming  from  a  life  of  seclusion  and  sorrow,  sen 
sitive  in  the  extreme,  she  had  barely  reached  that  age 
when  awkwardness  is  in  the  ascendent,  and  the  quiet 
city  home  seemed  the  centre  of  a  new  and  strange 
world.  One  other  thing  she  remembered  in  that 
initial  chapter  of  her  life, — the  kindly  glances  that 
Graydon  Muir  bent  on  the  pale  crescent  of  a  girl 
who  sat  opposite  to  him.  Even  as  a  child  she  knew 
that  the  handsome  young  fellow  was  not  secretly 
laughing  at  or  criticising  her,  and  before  dinner  was 
over  she  had  ventured  upon  a  shy,  grateful  glance, 
in  reward  for  his  good-humored  efforts  to  break 
the  ice. 

There  had,  in  truth,  been  no  ice  to  break.  The 
child  was  merely  like  a  plant  that  had  grown  in  the 
shade,  and  to  her  the  strong,  healthful  youth  was 
sunshine.  His  smile  warmed  and  vivified  her  chilled 
nature,  his  hearty  words  and  manner  were  bracing 
to  her  over-sensitive  and  timid  soul,  and  his  un 
affected,  unforced  kindness  was  so  constant  that  she 
gradually  came  to  regard  it  as  one  of  the  best  cer 
tainties  of  her  life.  She  soon  learned,  however, 
that  behind  his  sunny  good-nature  was  a  fiery  and 
impatient  spirit,  ready  to  manifest  itself  if  he  was 
chafed  beyond  a  certain  point,  and  so  a  slight  ele 
ment  of  fear  was  mingled  with  her  child-like  affec 
tion. 

He  had  sufficient  tact  to  understand  Madge's 
diffidence,  and  he  knew  that  their  family  life  would 
soon  banish  it.  He  welcomed  this  pale  slip  of  a  girl 
to  their  home  circle  because  it  gave  him  pleasure  to 
pet  and  rally  such  a  wraith  into  something  like  gen- 


]8  A   YOUNG    GIXL'S    WOOING. 

nine  existence.  lie  also  hoped  that  eventually  she 
would  become  a  source  of  amusement  to  him.  Nor 
was  he  disappointed.  Madge's  mind  was  not  color 
less,  if  her  face  was,  and  she  gradually  began  to 
respond  to  his  mirthfulness,  and  to  take  an  interest, 
intelligent  for  a  child,  in  what  occupied  his  thoughts. 
Kindness  creates  an  atmosphere  in  which  the  most 
sensitive  and  diffident  natures  develop  and  reveal 
themselves,  and  Madge  Alden,  who  might  easily 
have  been  chilled  into  a  reticent  and  dispirited  girl, 
eventually  manifested  an  unusual  versatility  of 
fancy  and  thought,  acquiring  also  no  slight  power 
of  expression.  « 

Thus  Graydon  obtained  his  reward.  His  brother 
was  a  grave  and  silent  man,  to  whom  few  themes 
could  be  broached  except  those  of  business  and  the 
events  and  politics  of  the  day  in  their  relation  to 
trade.  His  sister-in-law  was  absorbed  in  household 
and  family  cares,  but  Madge's  great  black  eyes  re 
sponded  with  quick  appreciation  to  all  that  he  said, 
and  their  merry  nonsense  often  provoked  a  smile 
upon  even  the  face  of  Mr.  Muir.  The  good-natured 
sympathy  of  the  young  man  therefore  passed  grad 
ually  into  a  genuine  fraternal  regard,  and  he  rarely 
came  home  of  an  evening  without  bringing  flowers, 
l>onbons,  or  some  other  evidence  that  he  had  remem 
bered  her.  Unconsciously  to  herself,  he  became 
more  to  her  than  her  sister,  who  was  indulgent  in 
the  extreme,  but  not  very  demonstrative.  Her  shy 
ness  disappeared,  and  his  caresses  seemed  as  natural 
as  those  of  an  elder  brother,  in  which  light  she  re 
garded  him. 


A    CRESCENT   OF  A    GIRL.  19 

Thus  time  passed  on,  and  the  girl  rapidly  ap 
proached  the  stature  of  womanhood.  Apparently 
she  grew  too  fast  for  her  slight  reserve  of  physical 
strength.  She  nominally  attended  a  fashionable 
school,  but  was  often  absent  from  ill  health,  and  for 
this  reason  her  sister  permitted  her  to  follow  her 
own  moods.  Indolence  and  inanition  accounted 
largely  for  her  lack  of  strength.  Exercise  brought 
weariness,  and  she  would  not  take  it.  Nothing 
pleased  her  more  than  to  curl  up  on  a  lounge  with 
a  book  ;  and  her  sister,  seeing  that  she  was  reading 
most  of  the  time,  felt  that  she  was  getting  an  edu 
cation.  To  the  busy  lady  a  book  was  a  book,  a 
kind  of  general  fertilizer  of  the  mind,  and  as  Madge 
usually  took  cold  when  she  went  out,  and  was 
assuredly  acquiring  from  the  multitude  of  volumes 
she  devoured  all  the  knowledge  a  woman  needed,  she 
was  safer  in  the  evenly-heated  city  house.  The  sisters 
had  independent  fortunes  of  their  own,  and  the  great 
point  in  Mrs.  Muir's  mind  was  that  they  should  live 
and  enjoy  them.  If  Madge  was  only  sufficiently 
coddled  now  while  she  was  growing,  she  would  get 
strong  eventually  ;  and  so  the  good  lady,  who  had  as 
much  knowledge  of  hygiene  as  of  Sanscrit,  tempted 
the  invalid  with  delicacies,  permitted  her  to  cat  the 
confectionery  that  Graydon  brought  so  often,  and 
generally  indulged  a  nature  that  needed  wise  and 
firm  development. 

Thus  Madge  lived  on,  growing  more  pale  and 
languid  with  each  succeeding  year.  The  absence  in 
the  mountains  and  at  the  sea-shore  which  Mr.  Muir 
permitted  to  his  family  every  summer  brought 


20  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S    WOOING. 

changes  for  the  better,  even  though  the  young  girl 
spent  most  of  the  time  in  a  hammock  or  reclining 
in  the  stern  of  a  sail-boat.  She  could  not  escape 
the  invigoration  caused  by  the  mere  breathing  of 
pure  air,  but  during  the  winters  in  town  she  lost  all 
and  more  than  she  had  gained,  and  sunk  back  into 
her  old  apathetic  life. 

This  life,  however,  contained  two  elements  which 
gavQ  some  color  and  zest  to  her  existence.  All 
through  the  day  she  would  look  forward  to  Gray- 
don's  return  from  business,  and  when  she  heard  his 
latch-key  the  faintest  possible  color  would  steal  into 
her  cheeks.  Up-stairs,  two  steps  at  a  time,  he 
would  come,  kiss  her,  waltz  her  about  the  room 
with  a  strength  which  scarcely  permitted  her  feet  to 
touch  the  floor,  then  toss  her  back  on  the  lounge, 
where  she  would  lie,  laughing,  breathless,  and 

O  O  ' 

happy.  With  a  man's  ignorant  tolerance  he  ac 
cepted  her  character  as  an  invalid,  and  felt  that  the 
least  he  could  do  was  to  brighten  a  life  which 
seemed  so  dismal  to  him.  When  he  came  down 
dressed  for  dinner  or  some  evening  engagement,  she 
looked  at  him  with  a  frank,  admiring  pride  that 
amused  him  immensely.  When  he  returned  earlier 
than  usual  he  often  found  her  still  upon  the  lounge 
with  her  inevitable  book,  usually  a  novel,  and  then 
he  would  take  her  upon  his  lap  and  call  her  his 
"  dear  little  spook,  the  household  ghost  that  would 
soon  cease  to  cast  a  shadow  ;"  and  she,  with  a  lan 
guid  curiosity,  would  easily  beguile  from  him  a  por 
trayal  of  the  scenes  through  which  he  had  just 
passed.  She  cared  little  for  them,  but  from  his 


A    C RESCRIPT   OF  A    6V/;/.  21 

stores  of  vitality  and  strength  lie  imparted  life  to 
her,  and  without  understanding  why,  she  simply 
knew  she  was  happy. 

Apart  from  her  fondness  for  the  unreal  scenes  pre 
sented  by  the  miscellaneous  books  she  read, — scenes 
all  the  more  unreal  because  she  had  no  experience 
by  which  to  correct  them, — she  had  one  other  taste 
which  promised  well  for  the  future, — a  sincere  love 
of  music.  She  was  taking"  lessons,  but  it  was  from 
a  superficial  teacher,  who  was  content  to  give  her 
pretty  and  showy  pieces  ;  and  she  brought  even  to 
this  favorite  study  the  desultory  habits  which  char 
acterized  all  her  efforts  to  obtain  an  education. 
When  she  sat  down  to  her  piano,  however,  nature 
was  her  strong  ally.  Her  car  was  fine  and  correct, 
and  her  sensitive,  fanciful  spirit  gave  delicacy  and 
originality  to  her  touch.  It  scarcely  seems  possi 
ble  for  one  to  become  a  sympathetic  musician  with 
out  a  large  degree  of  imagination  and  a  nature  easily 
moved  by  thought  and  feeling.  The  young  girl's 
thoughts  and  feelings  were  as  yet  very  vague,  not 
concentrated  on  definite  objects,  and  yet  so  good  a 
connoisseur  as  Graydon  often  acknowledged  her 
power,  and  would  listen  with  pleased  attention  to 
her  girlish  rendering  of  music  made  familiar  to  him 
by  the  great  performers  of  the  da}'.  He  enjoyed  it 
all  the  more  because  it  was  her  own  interpretation, 
often  incorrect,  but  never  commonplace  or  slovenly  ; 
and  when  her  fingers  wandered  among  the  keys  in 
obedience  to  her  own  impulses  he  was  even  more 
charmed,  although  the  melody  was  usually  without 
much  meanin.  She  was  also  endowed  with  the 


22  A     YOUXG    GIRL'S 

rudiments  of  a  fine  voice,  and  would  often  strike 
notes  of  surpassing  sweetness  and  power  ;  but  her 
tones  would  soon  quaver  and  break,  and  she  com 
plained  that  it  tired  her  to  sing.  That  ended  the 
matter,  for  anything  that  wearied  her  was  not  to 
be  thought  of. 

Thus  she  had  drifted  on  with  time,  unconscious 
of  herself,  unconscious  of  the  influences  that  would 
bring  to  pass  the  decisive  events  of  the  future.  She 
was  like  multitudes  of  others  who  are  controlled  by 
the  circumstances  of  their  lot  until  the  time  comes 
when  a  deep  personal  experience  applies  the  touch 
stone  to  character. 


CHAPTER   II. 

( ;  R  A  Y  I)  ON     M  U  I  R  . 

MADGE  ALDEN  was  almost  seventeen,  and 
yet  she  was  in  many  respects  a  child.  Scenes 
portrayed  in  books  had  passed  before  her  mind  like 
pictures,  having  no  definite  significance.  Mr.  Muir 
was  to  her  like  some  of  the  forces  in  nature— quiet, 
unobtrusive,  omnipotent — and  she  accepted  him 
without  thought.  Her  sister  was  one  whom  she 
could  love  easily  as  a  matter  of  course.  She  was  an 
indulgent  household  providence,  who  cared  for  the 
young  girl  as  she  did  for  her  own  little  children.  If 
anything  was  amiss  in  Madge's  wardrobe  the  elder 
sister  made  it  right  at  once  ;  if  Madge  had  a  real  or 
imaginary  ailment,  Mary  was  always  ready  to  pre 
scribe  a  soothing  remedy  ;  and  if  there  was  a  cloud 
in  the  sky  or  the  wind  blew  chill  she  said,  "  Madge, 
do  be  prudent  ;  you  know  how  easily  you  take 
cold."  Thus  was  provided  the  hot-house  atmos 
phere  in  which  the  tender  exotic  existed.  It  could 
not  be  said  that  she  had  thrived  or  bloomed. 

Graydon  Muir  was  the  one  positive  element  with 
which  she  had  come  in  contact,  and  thus  far  she  had 
always  accepted  him  in  the  spirit  of  a  child.  He 


24  A     YOUXG    (7/AV.  '.V    ll'OOf.VG. 

had  begun  petting  her  and  treating  her  like  a  sister 
when  she  was  a  child.  His  manner  toward  her  had 
grown  into  a  habit,  which  had  its  source  in  his 
kindly  disposition.  To  him  she  was  but  a  weak, 
sickly  little  girl,  with  a  dismal  present  and  a  more 
dreary  outlook.  Sometimes  he  mentally  compared 
her  with  the  brilliant  girls  he  met  in  society,  and 
especially  with  one  but  a  little  older  than  Madge, 
who  appeared  a  natural  queen  in  the  drawing-room. 
His  life  abounded  in  activity,  interests,  and  pleas 
ures,  and  if  it  was  his  impulse  to  throw  a  little  zest 
into  the  experiences  of  those  in  society  who  had  no 
claims  upon  him,  he  was  still  more  disposed  to  cheer 
and  amuse  the  invalid  in  his  own  home.  Moreover, 
he  had  become  sincerely  fond  of  her.  Madge  was 
neither  querulous  nor  stupid.  Although  not  con 
ceited,  he  had  the  natural  vanity  of  a  handsome  and 
successful  man,  and  while  the  evident  fact  that  he 
was  such  a  hero  in  her  eyes  amused  him,  it  also  pre 
disposed  him  to  kindly  and  sympathetic  feeling 
toward  her.  He  saw  that  she  gave  him  not  only  a 
sisterly  allegiance,  but  also  a  richer  and  fuller  trib 
ute,  and  that  in  her  meagre  and  shadowed  life  he 
was  the  brightest  element.  She  tried  to  do  more 
for  him  than  for  any  one  else,  while  she  made  him 
feel  that  as  an  invalid  she  could  not  do  very  much, 
and  that  he  should  not  expect  it.  She  would  often 
play  for  him  an  hour  at  a  time,  and  again  she  would 
be  so  languid  that  no  coaxing  could  lure  her  from 
the  sofa.  Occasionally  she  would  even  read  aloud 
a  few  pages  with  her  musical  and  sympathetic  voice, 
but  would  soon  throw  down  the  book  with  an  air  o\ 


CKA  Y/)0.\'    Ml'IR.  2$ 

exhaustion,  and  plead  that  he  would  read  to  her.  In 
her  weakness  there  was  nothing  repulsive,  and  with 
out  calculation  she  made  many  artless  appeals  to  his 
strength.  lie  generously  responded,  saying  to  him 
self,  "  Poor  little  thing  !  she  has  a  hard  time  of  it. 
With  her  great  black  eyes  she  might  be  a  beauty  if 
she  only  had  health  and  was  like  other  girls  ;  but  as 
it  is,  she  is  so  light  and  pale  and  limp  that  I  some 
times  feel  as  if  I  were  petting  a  wraith." 

Of  late  she  had  begun  to  go  out  with  him  a  little, 
he  choosing  small  and  quiet  companies  among  peo 
ple  well  known  to  the  Muirs,  and  occasionally  her 
sister  also  went.  Her  role  of  invalid  was  carefully 
maintained  and  recognized.  Graydon  had  always 
prided  himself  on  his  loyalty  as  an  escort  ;  and  as 
long  as  he  was  devoted,  the  neglect  of  other  young 
men  was  welcomed  rather  than  regretted  ;  for,  except 
toward  him,  all  her  old  shyness  still  existed.  With 
the  consciousness  that  he  was  caring  for  her  she  was 
well  content  with  some  half-secluded  nook  of  obser 
vation,  from  which  she  looked  out  upon  scenes  that 
were  like  an  animated  story.  She  wove  fanciful 
imaginings  around  those  who  attracted  her  atten 
tion,  and  on  her  return  laughingly  discussed  the 
people  who  had  passed,  like  players,  before  her  eyes. 
Graydon  encouraged  her  to  do  this,  for  her  igno 
rance  of  society  made  her  remarks  original  and 
amusing.  lie  knew  the  conventional  status  of 
ever)'  one  they  met  as  accurately  as  his  brother 
recognized  the  commercial  value  of  the  securities 
that  passed  under  his  eye,  and  Madge's  estimates 
often  seemed  absurd  to  the  last  decree. 


26  A     y 

Whenever  she  \vcnt  out  with  Graydon  his  course 
was  eminently  satisfactory  ;  she  never  felt  herself 
neglected,  while  at  the  same  time  she  saw  that  his 

o 

attentions  were  welcomed  everywhere.  She  never 
lost  her  serene  sense  of  proprietorship,  and  only 
grew  more  fond  of  him  as  she  noted  how  readily  he 
left  the  side  of  beautiful  and  gifted  women  to  look 
after  her.  He  had  often  laughingly  asserted  that  he 
went  into  society  only  for  amusement,  and  his  course 
under  her  own  observation  confirmed  his  words. 

Earl)r  in  the  winter  during  which  our  story  opens, 
she  had  caught  a  succession  of  colds,  and  one 
proved  so  severe  and  obstinate  that  her  friends  were 
alarmed,  fearing  that  she  was  going  into  a  de 
cline.  She  slowly  rallied,  however,  but  was  more 
frail  than  ever.  Before  the  gay  season  closed,  just 
preceding  Lent,  Madge  received  an  invitation  to  a 
very  large  part}'.  Graydon  urged  her  to  go,  remark 
ing  that  she  had  not  yet  seen  society.  "  Don't  be 
afraid,  I'll  take  care  of  you,  little  ghost,"  he  said, 
and  with  this  assurance  she  accompanied  him,  con 
trary  to  her  sister's  advice.  It  was  indeed  a  brill 
iant  occasion.  The  wide  rooms  of  a  Madison  Ave 
nue  palace  were  thronged,  and  she  had  never  even 
imagined  such  toilets  as  caught  her  eye  on  every 
sidc.  There  were  so  many  present  that  she  could 
easily  maintain  her  position  of  quiet  spectator,  and 
her  eyes  dilated  with  pleasure  as  she  saw  that  Gray 
don  was  as  much  a  leader  as  at  other  places  where 
comparatively  few  were  present. 

At  last  her  attention  was  attracted  by  one  who 
was  evidently  a  late  comer,  and  whose  presence  ap- 


GRA  YDO.V  MUIR.  2j 

pearccl  to  fill  the  apartment.  All  the  others  paled 
before  her,  as  do  the  stars  when  the  moon  rises 
among1  them.  She  was  evidently  young,  and  yet 
she  did  not  suggest  youth.  One  would  almost  im 
agine  that  she  had  never  had  a  childhood  or  a  crirl- 

o  i~> 

hood,  but  was  rather  a  direct  creation  of  metropoli 
tan  society.  Her  exquisitely  turned  shoulders  and 
arms  were  bare,  and  the  diamonds  about  her  neck 
were  a  circlet  of  fire.  The  complexion  of  her  fair 
oval  face  was  singularly  pure,  and  the  color  came 
and  went  so  easily  as  to  prove  that  it  owed  nothing 
to  art.  The  expression  of  her  gray  eyes  was  rather 
cold  and  haughty  when  at  rest,  and  gave  an  impres 
sion  of  pride  and  the  consciousness  of  power.  The 
trait  which  to  the  observant  Madge  seemed  most 
marked  at  first,  however,  was  her  perfect  ease. 
Her  slightest  movement  was  grace  itself.  Her  en 
tire  self-possession  was  indicated  by  the  manner  in 
which  she  greeted  the  men  who  sought  her  atten 
tion,  and  many  there  were.  She  could  be  perfectly 
polite,  yet  as  repellent  as  ice,  or  she  could  smile 
with  a  fascination  that  even  Madge  felt  would  be 
hard  to  resist.  This  girl,  who  was  such  an  immense 
contrast  to  herself,  wholly  fixed  her  attention  as  she 
stood  for  a  few  moments,  like  a  queen,  surrounded 
by  her  courtiers. 

Graydon  had  gone  for  a  glass  of  water,  and  meet 
ing  a  friend  had  been  detained  for  a  brief  space. 
Madge  saw  him  corning,  saw  his  eye  light  up  with 
admiration  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  beautiful  stran 
ger,  but  he  came  directly  to  her,  and  asked,  genially, 
if  there  was  anything  else  she  would  like. 


2 8  A     YOUNG   GIRL'S    WOOIXG. 

'  Yes.      Who  is  that  girl  yonder  ?" 

"  Miss  Wildinere.  Isn't  she  lovely  ?  She  prom 
ised  me,  last  week,  her  first  dance  for  this  evening. 
Will  you  excuse  me  for  a  little  while  ?" 

"  Certainly  ;"  and  yet  she  was  conscious  of  a  sud 
den  and  odd  little  protest  at  heart. 

He  approached  the  beauty.  Miss  Wildmere's 
face  flushed  with  pleasure  and  softened  into  a  wel 
coming  smile,  such  as  she  had  not  yet  bestowed 
upon  any  who  had  sought  her  favor.  Then,  in  swift 
alternation,  she  bent  upon  Madge  a  brief,  cold  glance 
of  scrutiny.  So  brief  was  it,  and  so  complacent  was 
the  expression  of  the  belle  as  she  turned  away,  that 
the  pallid,  sensitive  girl  was  told,  as  by  words,  "  You 
are  nothing." 

That  glance  was  like  a  sharp,  deep  wound,  and 
pierced  where  she  was  most  vulnerable.  It  said  to 
her,  "  You  are  not  capable  of  being  anything  to 
Graydon  Muir.  I  am  not  in  the  least  afraid  of 
you. " 

What  was  she  to  him  ?  What  did  she  wish  to 
be  ?  To  these  questions  Madge  had  but  one  an 
swer.  Any  and  every  girl,  in  her  belief,  would  be 
only  too  glad  to  win  him.  He  had  said  that  Miss 
Wildmcre  was  lovely  ;  his  eyes  had  expressed  an 
admiration  which  he  had  never  bestowed  upon  her  ; 
he  had  led  the  beauty  away  with  a  glad  content  in 
his  face,  and  the  crowded  room  was  made  empty 
by  their  absence. 

She  was  no  longer  conscious  of  weakness,  but, 
obeying  her  impulse,  sprang  up  and  followed  them 
to  the  ball-room.  Concealed  by  a  little  group  she 


GRA  YDON  MUIR.  ?o 

stood,  unwearied,  and  watched  them  as  they  glided 
hither  and  thither  with  a  grace  that  attracted  many 
eyes.  The  music  appeared  to  control  and  animate 
them,  and  their  motion  was  harmony  itself.  Gray- 
don  evidently  thought  only  of  his  fair  partner  ;  but 
her  swift  glances  were  everywhere,  gathering  the  rich 
revenue  of  admiration  which  was  freely  offered. 
For  a  second  she  encountered  Madge's  large  black 
eyes,  full  of  trouble,  and  a  satirical  smile  proved 
that  she  enjoyed  the  poor  girl's  solicitude.  To 
deepen  it  she  looked  up  at  Graydon  and  said  some 
thing  that  caused  his  face  to  flush  with  pleasure. 
His  response  was  more  decisive,  for  the  swift  color 
came  into  her  face,  and  her  eyes  drooped.  The  by 
play  was  momentary,  and  would  not  have  been  seen 
by  a  less  vigilant  observer  than  Madge  ;  but  to  her 
it  gave  the  undoubted  impression  that  they  were 
lovers.  When  Miss  Wildmere  looked  again  to  see 
the  result  of  her  unkindly  strategy,  Madge  was  gone. 

In  reaction  she  had  grown  almost  faint,  and 
reached  her  former  retreat  with  difficulty.  But  all 
her  latent  womanhood  speedily  rallied  to  meet  this 
strange  and  but  half-comprehended  emergency. 
The  impulse  now  uppermost  was  to  retain  her  self- 
control  and  reach  the  seclusion  of  her  own  room. 
How  she  was  to  endure  the  long  hours  she  scarcely 
knew.  She  did  not  dare  to  think.  Indeed,  the 
effort  was  scarcely  possible,  for  her  mind  was  at  first 
in  tumult,  with  only  one  thing  clear,  a  poignant 
sense  of  loss  and  trouble. 

Graydon  was  a  long  time  away,  longer  than  he 
had  ever  been  before  when  acting  as  her  escort. 


30  A     YOUNG   GIA'L'S    IVOOING. 

While  she  felt  this  neglect,  and  interpreted  it  natu 
rally,  she  was  not  sorry.  She  dreaded  meeting  him 
again.  In  one  brief  hour  her  old  ease  and  freedom 
with  him  had  gone.  She  wondered  at  the  change 
in  herself,  yet  knew  that  it  was  as  definite  and  de 
cided  as  if  she  had  become  another  person.  When 
he  had  brought  her  the  glass  of  water  she  could 
look  into  his  face  with  the  frank  directness  of  a 
child.  Why  could  she  not  do  so  now  ?  Why  did 
she  almost  tremble  at  the  thought  of  his  glance,  his 
touch,  his  presence  ?  She  knew  that  he  would  come 
back  with  his  old  genial,  kindly  manner, — that  he 
would  be  the  same.  But  a  change  had  occurred  in 
her  which  made  the  fabled  transmutations  of  magic 
wands  seem  superficial  indeed.  Would  he  note 
this  change  ?  Could  he  guess  the  cause  ?  Oh, 
what  iv as  the  cause  ?  Even  her  pale  face  grew 
crimson,  for  there  are  truths  that  come  to  the  con 
sciousness  like  the  lightning  from  heaven.  She  did 
not  need  to  think,  to  weigh  and  reason.  A  wom 
an's  heart  is  often  above  and  beyond  her  reason, 
and  hers  had  been  awakened  at  last  by  the  all- 
powerful  touch  of  love. 

The  time  passed,  and  still  Graydon  did  not  come, 
lie  was  not  absent  very  long,  and  yet  it  began  to 
seem  terribly  long  to  her.  She  had  overrated  her 
powers,  and  found  that  even  pride  could  not  sustain 
her.  She  had  no  reserve  of  strength  to  draw  upon. 
The  heat  of  the  room  grew  oppressive,  and  she  was 
unaccustomed  to  throngs,  confusion,  and  noise. 
The  consciousness  of  her  weakness  was  forced  upon 
her  most  painfully  at  last  by  the  appearance  of  Miss 


GRA  YDON  ML'IK.  31 

Wildmcrc  on  Graydon's  arm.  The  belle  was  smil 
ing,  radiant,  her  step  elastic,  her  eyes  shining  with 
excitement  and  pleasure.  Her  practised  scrutiny 
had  assured  her  that  she  was  the  queen  of  the 
hour  ;  the  handsomest  and  most  courtly  man  pres 
ent  was  so  devoted  as  to  suggest  that  he  might 
easily  become  a  lover  ;  she  had  seen  many  glances 
of  envy,  and  one,  in  the  case  of  poor  Madge,  of 
positive  pain.  What  more  could  her  heart  desire  ? 
Graydon  conducted  her  to  her  chaperon,  near  whom 
half  a  do/en  gentlemen  were  waiting  for  a  chance  to 
be  his  successor  ;  and,  having  obtained  her  promise 
for  another  dance  later  in  the  evening,  he  turned 
deprecatingly  to  Madge.  His  apologies  ceased  be 
fore  they  were  half  spoken.  She  looked  so  white 
and  ill  that  he  was  alarmed,  and  asked  permission  to 
get  her  a  glass  of  wine. 

No,  Graydon,"  she  said,  then  hesitated,  for  she 
felt  the  color  coming  into  her  face,  while  a  strange 
blur  confused  every  object  in  the  room.  '  I'm 
very,  very  sorry,"  she  added,  hastily,  after  a  mo 
ment.  '  1  ought  not  to  have  come.  I'm  not  equal 
to  this.  It  wouldn't  take  you  very  long  to  drive 
home  with  me,  and  then  you  could  return.  Please, 
Graydon. 

Her  tone  was  so  urgent,  and  she  appeared  so 
weak,  that  he  complied  at  once,  saying,  with  much 
compunction,  "  I  should  not  have  left  you  alone  so 
long,  but  supposed  you  were  amusing  yourself  by- 
looking  at  the  people." 

She  did  not  trust  herself  to  reply.  Her  one 
thought  was  to  reach  the  refuge  of  her  own  apart- 


32  A     YOUNG   GIXL'S    WOOING. 

mcnt,  and  to  this  end  she  concentrated  her  failing 
energies.  The  climb  to  the  ladies'  dressing-room 
was  a  desperate  effort  ;  but  when  she  was  once  out 
side  the  house  the  cold,  pure  air  revived  her  slightly. 
'  You  can  excuse  me  to  our  hostess — she  will  not 
care,"  she  faltered,  and  it  seemed  to  her  then  that 
nobody  would  care.  Miss  Wildmerc's  glance  h;id 
conveyed  the  estimate  of  society.  If  she  could  be 
lieve  herself  first  in  Graydon's  thoughts  she  would 
not  be  cast  down,  but  now  the  truth  was  over 
whelming. 

She  leaned  away  from  him  in  the  corner  of  the 
carriage,  but  he  put  his  strong  arm  round  her  and 
drew  her  to  his  breast.  She  tried  to  resist,  but  was 
powerless.  Then  came  the  torturing  thought,  "  If 
I  repel  him — if  I  act  differently — he  will  guess  the 
reason,"  and  she  was  passive  ;  but  he  felt  her  slight 
form  tremble. 

My  poor  little  ghost,  you  are  ill  in  very  truth  ! 
I'm  indeed  sorry  that  I  left  you  so  long." 

Relieve  me,  Graydon,  1  am  ill.  Please  let  that 
excuse  me  and  explain.  Oh,  that  I — I  were  strong, 
like  Miss  Wild  me  re  !" 

Isn't  she  a  beauty  ?"  exclaimed  the  unconscious 
Graydon.  '  The  man  who  wins  her  might  well  be 
proud,  for  he  would  have  competitors  by  the  score." 

Your  chances  seem  excellent,"  said  Madge,  in 
a  low  tone. 

He  laughed  complacently,  but  added  :  '  You 
don't  know  these  society  belles.  They  can  show  a 
great  deal  of  favor  to  more  than  one  fellow,  yet 
never  permit  themselves  to  be  pinned  by  a  definite 


C;A\-I  VDO.Y  .1/7  YAY.  33 

promise.  They  arc  harder  to  catch  and  hold  than  a 
wild  Bedouin  ;  but  such  a  girl  as  Miss  Wilclmere  is 
worth  the  effort.  Yes,  Madge,  I  do  wish  you  were 
like  her.  It  would  be  grand  sport  to  champion  you 
in  society  and  see  you  run  amuck  among  the  fel 
lows.  It's  a  thousand  pities  that  you  are  such  an 
invalid.  I've  thought  more  than  once  that  you 
were  designed  to  be  a  beauty.  With  your  eyes  and 
Stella  Wildmere's  health  you  would  be  quite  as 
effective  after  your  style  as  she  is  in  hers.  Never 
mind,  little  sister,  I  shall  stand  by  you,  and  as  long 
as  I  live  you  shall  always  have  a  luxurious  sofa,  with 
all  the  novels  of  the  northern  hemisphere  at  your 
command.  Who  knows  ?  You  may  grow  strong 
one  of  these  days.  When  you  do  I'll  pick  out  the 
nice  fellows  for  you." 

At  every  kindly  word  her  heart  grew  heavier,  and 
when  the  carriage  stopped  at  their  door  she  could 
hardly  mount  the  steps.  In  the  hall  she  faltered 
and  caught  the  hat-rack  for  support.  He  lifted  her 
in  his  arms  and  bore  her  easily  to  her  room,  her  sis 
ter  following  in  much  solicitude.  '  It's  nothing," 
said  Madge  ;  "  the  company  was  too  large  and  ex 
citing  for  me.  There  was  no  need  of  Graydon's 
carrying  me  up-stairs,  but  he  would  do  it." 

'  You  poor  dear  !"    began  her  sister,  broodingly. 
I    feared    it    would    be    so.      Graydon    is    made   of 
iron,  and  will  never  realize  how  delicate  you  are." 

'lie's  very  kind,  and  more  considerate  than  I 
deserve.  As  he  says,"  she  added,  bitterly,  "  I'm 
nothing  but  a  ghost,  and  had  better  vanish." 

'Nonsense,  Madge,"   said   the   young  man,  with 


;U  ^     JW-YU;    GfKI.'S    U'OO/iVG. 

brusque  kindness.  '  You  know  I  want  you  to 
haunt  me  always.  Good-by  now,  little  sister.  I 
shall  be  dc  trop  if  I  stay  any  longer.  You'll  be  bet 
ter  in  the  morning,  and  to-morrow  evening  I'll  re 
main  home  and  entertain  you." 


CHAPTER    III. 

THE    PARTING. 

AT  last  Madge  was  alone.  Her  sister  had  sug 
gested  everything  she  could  think  of,  mean 
while  bewailing  the  young  girl's  extreme  impru 
dence.  Madge  entreated  for  quiet  and  rest,  and  at 
last  was  left  alone.  Hour  after  hour  she  lay  with 
wide,  fixed  gaze.  Her  mind  and  imagination  did 
not  partake  of  her  physical  weakness,  and  now  they 
were  abnormally  active.  As  the  bewilderment  from 
the  shock  of  her  abrupt  awakening  passed,  the  truth 
hourly  grew  clearer.  From  the  time  she  had  first 
come  under  her  sister's  roof  Graydon  Muir  had  be 
gun  to  make  himself  essential  to  her.  His  uniform 
kindness  had  created  trust,  freedom,  and  a  content 
akin  to  happiness.  Now  all  was  swept  away.  She 
understood  that  his  love  was  an  affection  resulting 
from  pity  and  the  strong,  genial  forces  of  his  nature. 
The  girl  who  could  kindle  his  spirit  and  inspire  the 
best  and  most  enthusiastic  efforts  of  his  manhood 
must  be  like  Miss  Wildmere — strong,  beautiful, 
capable  of  keeping  step  with  him  under  society's 
critical  eyes,  and  not  a  mere  shadow  of  a  woman 
like  herself.  Her  morbidly  acute  fancy  recalled  the 


36  A    }'(>r.V(;  C;/AV, '.v  iroorxc. 

ball-room.  She  saw  him  again  after  his  return,  en 
circling  the  fair  girl  with  his  arm,  and  looking  down 
into  her  eyes  with  a  meaning  unmistakable.  Oh, 
why  had  she  gone  to  that  fatal  party  !  The  past, 
in  contrast  to  the  present  and  the  promise  of  the 
future,  seemed  happiness  itself. 

What  could  she  do  ?  What  should  she  do  ?  The 
more  she  thought  of  it  the  more  unendurable  her 
position  appeared.  In  her  vivid  self-consciousness 
the  old  relations  could  not  continue.  Heretofore 
his  caresses  had  been  a  matter  of  course,  of  habit. 
They  could  be  so  no  longer.  She  shrank  from 
them  with  inexpressible  fear,  knowing  they  would 
bring  what  little  blood  she  possessed  to  her  face  and 
very  brow  in  tell-tale  floods.  The  one  event  from 
which  her  sensitive  womanhood  drew  back  in  deep 
est  dread  was  his  knowledge  of  her  love.  To  pre 
vent  this  she  would  rather  die,  and  she  felt  so  weak 
and  despairing  that  she  thought  and  almost  hoped 
she  would  die.  If  she  could  only  go  away,  where 
she  would  not  see  him,  and  hide  her  wound  !  But 
how  could  she,  chained  near  his  daily  presence  by 
weakness  and  helplessness  ? 

Thus  through  the  long  night  her  despairing 
thoughts  went  to  and  fro,  and  found  no  rest.  Miss 
Wildmere's  cold  glance  met  her  everywhere  with 
the  assurance  that  such  a  creature  as  she  could 
never  be  anything  to  him,  and,  alas  !  his  own  words 
confirmed  the  verdict.  Love  that  gives  all  demands 
all,  and  such  pitiful  affection  as  he  now  gave  was 
only  a  mockery.  The  morning  found  her  too  weak 
to  leave  her  room,  and  for  the  few  following  days 


THE    r  ART  IXC.  37 

she  made  illness  her  excuse  for  remaining  in  seclu 
sion.  As  Graydon  looked  ruefully  at  her  vacant 
chair  the  fourth  evening  after  the  company,  Mrs. 
Muir  remarked,  reproachfully,  "  I  hope  you  now 
reali/e  how  delicate  Madge  is.  You  never  should 
have  coaxed  her  to  go  to  that  party." 

1  fe  was  filled  with  compunction,  and  brought  her 
flowers,  boxes  of  candy,  books,  and  everything 
which  he  imagined  would  amuse  her.  At  the  same 
time  he  was  growing  a  little  impatient  and  pro 
voked.  He  knew  that  he  had  taken  her  from  the 
kindest  motives.  Now  that  she  gave  up  utterly  to 
her  invalidism,  he  was  inclined  to  question  its  neces 
sity,  lie  found  that  he  missed  her  more  than  he 
would  have  imagined,  and  his  brief  hours  at  home 
were  dreary  by  reason  of  her  seclusion. 

Why  don't  you  call  in  a  first-class  physician  and 
put  Madge  under  a  thorough  course  of  treatment  ?" 
he  asked,  irritably.  "  She  has  no  disease  now  that 
1  know  anything  about,  and  I  don't  believe  it's 
necessary  that  she  should  remain  so  weak  and  lack 
adaisical.  " 

\Ye  did  have  uur  doctor  call  often,  and  lie  said 
she  would  outgrow  her  troubles  if  she  would  take- 
plenty  of  fresh  air  and  exercise.  And  now  she  posi 
tively  refuses  to  see  a  physician." 

1  wouldn't  humor  a  sick  girl's  fancies.  She 
needs  tonics  and  a  general  building  up.  \Yith  your 
permission  I'll  stop  on  my  way  down-town  to-mor 
row  and  tell  Dr.  Anderson  to  call." 

Mrs.  Muir  repeated  the  conversation  to  her  sister, 
with  the  literalncss  of  which  only  unimaginative 


38  A     YOUNG    GIA'L'S    WOOING. 

women  arc  capable.  Madge  turned  her  face  to  the 
wall,  and  said,  coldly  and  decisively,  "  I  refuse  to 
see  a  physician.  1  am  no  longer  a  child,  and  my 
wishes  must  be  respected."  After  a  moment  she 
added,  apologetically  :  "A  doctor  could  do  me  no 
good.  I  shall  soon  be  stronger.  You  understand 
me  better  than  Dr.  Anderson  can.  You  are  the 
best  and  kindest  nurse  that  ever  breathed,  and  I've 
had  enough  of  doctors.  I'll  take  anything  you  give 
m  c. ' ' 

These  politic  words  appealed  to  Mrs.  Muir's  weak 
point.  Nothing  pleased  her  better  than  to  believe 
that  she  could  act  the  part  of  physician  in  the 
family,  and  prescribing  for  Madge  was  a  source  of 
unflagging  interest.  When  she  informed  Graydon 
of  their  decision  in  the  morning,  he  muttered  some 
thing  not  very  complimentary  to  either  of  the 
ladies  ;  but  his  good-nature  prevailed,  and  instead 
of  the  doctor  he  ordered  a  superb  bouquet  of  Jac 
queminot  roses. 

Meanwhile  events  were  taking  place  of  which 
Madge  had  no  knowledge,  but  which  would  favor 
the  plan  slowly  maturing  in  her  mind.  Mr.  Muir's 
business  affairs  had  been  taking  a  turn  which  made 
it  probable  that  he  would  soon  have  to  send  his 
brother  abroad.  As  long  as  there  was  uncertainty 
the  reticent  man  said  nothing,  but  at  last  he 
received  advices  which  brought  him  to  a  prompt 
decision,  and  Graydon  was  told  that  he  must  go  at 
once.  The  young  fellow  submitted  with  fairly  good 
grace.  A  brief  foreign  residence  had  its  attractions, 
but  it  interfered  with  his  incipient  suit  to  Miss 


THE    PARTING.  39 

Wildmcrc.  He  felt  that  he  had  not  gone  far 
enough  for  a  definite  proposal,  but  he  showed,  dur 
ing  the  brief  call  that  his  time  permitted,  an  inter 
est  which  the  young  lady  well  understood.  Since 
he  was  to  be  absent  for  an  indefinite  period,  and 
would  have  no  chance  to  observe  her  other  little 
affairs,  she  permitted  herself  to  be  gracious  and  re 
gretful  up  to  the  point  of  inspiring  much  hope  for 
the  future.  With  a  nicety  of  tact — the  result  of 
experience — she  confirmed  his-  view  that  they  had 
made  favorable  impressions  on  each  other,  and  that 
for  the  present  they  must  be  content  with  this. 

lie  had  but  a  day  in  which  to  make  his  prepara 
tions  in  order  to  catch  a  fast  steamer  that  sailed  at 
daylight  the  following  morning.  Madge's  first  sen 
sation  when  she  learned  of  his  near  departure  was 
one  of  immense  relief.  The  possibility  which  she 
had  so  dreaded  could  not  now  be  realized,  and  her 
plan  could  be  carried  out  with  far  less  embarrass 
ment.  But  as  time  passed,  and  she  knew  that  their 
separation  was  so  near,  her  heart  relented  toward 
him  with  inexpressible  tenderness.  The  roses  that 
perfumed  the  room  were  a  type  of  his  unstinted 
kindness  and  consideration.  She  was  just  enough 
to  acknowledge  that  these  were  even  more  than  she 
could  naturally  expect  from  him, — that  the  majority 
of  young  men  would  have  treated  her  with  a  half 
contemptuous  pity  which  she  was  now  beginning  to 
admit  would  be  partially  deserved.  On  the  occa 
sions  when  she  had  gone  out  with  him  she  had 
learned  how  unattractive  in  society  her  pale  face  and 
shy  ways  were.  Such  attentions  as  she  had  received 


40  A     YOr.YC    GIRL'S    Jl'OO/.V(;. 

had  been  to  her  sensitive  spirit  like  charity.  Gray- 
don  had  been  animated  by  unaffected  good-will  and 
an  affection  that  was,  after  its  kind,  genuine. 
While  she  felt  that  it  would  be  no  longer  possible  to 
receive  these  mild  manifestations  of  regard  while 
iriving  something  so  different,  she  still  knew,  with  a 

v5  O  O  ' 

half  despairing  sinking  of  heart,  how  blank  and  des 
olate  her  life  would  be  without  them.  She  must 
meet  him  once  more,  and  word  was  sent  that  she 
would  receive  his  good-by  after  dinner.  Having 
safely  passed  this  one  interview,  she  hoped  that  she 
might  be  able  to  control  the  future,  and  either  cease 
to  be,  or  bring  about  changes  upon  which  she  had 
resolved. 

Only  a  soft,  dim  light  shone  in  her  room  when  he 
came  to  say  farewell. 

Why,  Madge,"  he  exclaimed,  "  you  are  better  ! 
You  actually  have  color.  Perhaps  it  is  fever, 
though, "he  added,  dubiously.  "At  any  rate,  it's 
very  becoming. " 

I  think  it  must  be  the  reflection  from  your  roses 
there,  you  extravagant  fellow,"  she  replied,  laugh 
ing. 

That's  famous,  Madge.  If  you  will  laugh  again 
like  that  I'll  send  you  a  present  from  Paris.  Dear 
Madge,  do  get  well.  Don't  let  us  have  any  thing- 
dismal  in  our  parting.  It's  only  for  a  little  while, 
you  know.  When  I  come  back  it  will  be  summer, 
and  I'll  take  you  to  the  sea-shore  or  mountains  or 
somewhere,  and  help  you  get  well." 

'  You   are  very  kind,  Graydon.      You  have  been 
a  true   brother   to   me    from   the   time  you   tried  to 


THE    PARTING.  41 

cheer  and  encourage  the  pale,  frightened  little  girl 
that  sat  opposite  you  at  the  dinner-table.  Don't 
you  remember  ?" 

"  Of  course  I  do.  It  seemed  so  droll  to  me  that 
you  were  afraid  when  there  was  nothing  to  be  afraid 
of." 

"  My  fear  was  natural.  Little  as  I  know  of  the 
world,  I  know  that, — at  least  for  one  like  me.  It 
may  seem  weak  and  silly  to  you,  but,  brought  up  as 
I  had  been,  I  was  morbidly  sensitive.  You  might 
have  meant  to  be  kind  and  sympathetic  and  all  that, 
and  yet  have  hurt  me  cruelly.  I  have  been  out  with 
you  enough  to  know  how  I  am  regarded.  I  don't 
complain.  I  suppose  it  is  the  way  of  the  world, 
but  it  has  not  been  your  way.  Yon  have  brought 
sunshine  from  the  first,  not  from  a  sense  of  duty, 
not  out  of  sheer  humiliating  pity,  but  because  it 
was  the  impulse  of  your  strength  to  help  and  cheer 
one  who  was  so  weak,  and  if — if — anything— 
Well,  I  want  you  to  know  before  you  go  away  that 
I  appreciate  it  all  and  shall  never  forget  it." 

Oh  come,  Madge,  don't  talk  so  dismally. 
What  do  you  mean  by  '  if — if — anything  '  ?  You 
are  going  to  get  strong  and  well,  and  we  will  open 
the  campaign  together  next  fall." 

She  shook  her  head,  but  asked,  lightly,  "How 
will  Miss  Wildmere  endure  your  absence  ?" 

Kasicr  than  you,  I  imagine.  She  knows  how 
to  console  herself.  Still,  as  my  little  sister,  I  will 
tell  you  in  confidence  that  she  was  very  kind  in  our 
parting  interview.  How  much  her  kindness  meant 
only  she  herself  knows,  and  I've  been  in  society 


42  A     VOTiVC    <7/A'A'.V    }\'OO1\C. 

long    enough    to    know    that     it    may    mean    very 
little." 

"  Are  you  so  wholly  bent  upon  winning  her, 
Graydon  ?" 

"  O  you  little  Mother  Eve  !  You  are  surely  go 
ing  to  get  well.  There  is  no  sign  of  longevity  in  a 
woman  so  certain  as  curiosity.  I've  not  yet  reached 
the  point  of  breaking  my  heart  about  her,  whatever 
she  docs.  Wouldn't  you  like  so  beautiful  a  creat 
ure  for  your  sister  ?" 

'  The  contrast  would  be  too  great.  I  should  in 
deed  seem  a  ghost  beside  her.  Still,  if  she  would 
make  you  happy —  But  she  could  go  no  further. 

;'  Well,  well,  that's  a  very  uncertain  problem  of 
the  future.  Don't  say  anything  about  it  at  home. 
My  brother  don't  like  her  father.  They  do  not  get 
on  well  in  business.  Let  us  talk  about  yourself. 
What  are  you  going  to  do  while  I  am  gone  ?" 

'What  can  such  a  shadow  as  I  do  ?  Tell  me 
rather  what  you  are  going  to  do,  and  where  you '1! 
be.  You  are  real,  and  what  you  do  amounts  to 
something." 

'  There's  one  thing  I'm  going  to  do,  and  that  is, 
write  you  some  jolly  letters  that  will  make  you 
laugh  in  spite  of  yourself.  They  will  be  part  of  the 
tonic  treatment  that  I  want  you  to  promise  me  to 
begin  at  once." 

I  have  already  entered  upon  it,  Graydon,"  she 
said,  quietly,  "  and  I  don't  think  any  one  will  value 
your  letters  more  than  I,  only  I  may  not  get  strong 
enough  to  write  very  much  in  reply.  I've  never 
had  occasion  to  write  many  letters,  you  know.  Tell 


THE    PARTING.  4$ 

me.  where  you  will  be  and  what  you  are  going  to 
do,"  and  she  leaned  back  upon  her  lounge  and 
closed  her  eyes. 

While  he  complied,  he  thought,  "  She  has  grown 
pale  and  thin  even  to  ghastlincss,  yet  I  was  sure  she 
had  color  when  I  first  came  in.  Poor  little  thing  ! 
perhaps  her  fears  are  well  founded,  and  1  may  never 
see  her  again  ;"  and  the  good-hearted  fellow  was 
full  of  tender  and  remorseful  regret.  lie  was  quite 
as  fond  of  her  as  if  she  had  been  his  own  sister,  per 
haps  even  more  so,  for  his  affection  was  not  merely 
the  result  of  a  natural  tie,  but  of  something  con 
genial  to  his  nature  in  the  girl  herself,  and  it  cut 
him  to  the  heart  to  see  her  so  white  and  frail.  lie 
stopped  a  moment,  and  she  opened  her  eyes  and 
looked  at  him  inquiringly. 

"  O  Madge,"  he  broke  out,  "  I'm  so  sorry  I  took 
you  to  that  confounded  party.  You  seemed  getting 
on  hopefully  until  that  blasted  evening.  You  must 
get  well  enough  to  haunt  me  after  your  old  fashion. 
You  don't  know  what  a  dear  little  sister  you  have 
become,  and  I  didn't  know  it  myself  until  you  were 
secluded  by  illness,  and  all  through  my  fault.  You 
have  barricaded  yourself  long  enough  with  that 
stand  and  its  vase  of  roses.  I'm  not  going  to  say 
good-by  at  this  distance."  lie  removed  the  stand, 
and  seating  himself  by  her  side,  he  drew  her  head 
down  upon  his  shoulder  and  kissed  her  again  and 
again.  'There  now,"  he  continued,  "you  look 
perfectly  lovely.  Kisses  are  a  part  of  the  tonic 
treatment  you  need,  and  I  wish  I  were  going  to  be 
hero  to  give  them.  Why,  you  queer  little  woman  ! 


44  A     YOUNG    CIKL'S    Jl'OO/.YG. 

I  did    not    know    you    hud    so    much    blood    in   your 
body. 

"It's — it's  because  I'm  not  strong,"  she  said, 
struggling  for  release.  Suddenly  she  became  still, 
her  face  took  on  almost  the  hue  of  death,  and  he 
saw  that  she  was  unconscious. 

In  cerriblc  alarm  he  laid  her  hastily  on  the  lounge, 
and  rushed  for  Mrs.  Muir. 

"  She  has  merely  fainted,"  said  that  experienced 
woman,  after  a  moment's  examination.  '  You 
never  will  learn,  Graydon,  that  Madge  is  not  as 
strong  as  yourself.  Call  one  of  the  maids,  and  leave 
her  to  me." 

That  was  the  last  time  he  saw  Madge  Alden  for 
more  than  two  years.  She  soon  rallied,  but  agreed 
with  her  sister  that  it  would  be  best  not  to  see  him 
again.  She  sent  him  one  of  his  own  roses,  with  the 
simple  message,  "  Good-by." 

Late  at  night  he  went  down  to  the  steamer,  de 
pressed  and  anxious,  carrying  with  him  the  vivid 
memory  of  Madge  lying  white  and  death-like  where 
he  had  laid  her  apparently  lifeless  form. 

'I    shall    never    see    her    again,"    he     muttered. 

Such  weakness  must  be  mortal." 


CHAPTER    IV. 

EFFORT. 

deep  experience,  the  touchstone  of  char- 
acter,  of  latent  power,  if  such  existed,  had 
come  to  Madge  Alden.  For  days  she  had  drifted 
helplessly  on  the  rising  tide  of  an  apparently  hope 
less  love.  With  every  hour  she  comprehended  more 
fully  what  Graydon  Muir  had  become  to  her  and  all 
that  he  might  have  been.  It  seemed  that  she  had 
been  carried  forward  by  a  strong,  quiet  current, 
only  to  be  wrecked  at  last.  A  sense  of  utter  help 
lessness  overwhelmed  her.  She  could  not  ignore 
her  love  ;  it  had  become  interwoven  with  every  in 
terest  and  fibre  of  her  life.  At  first  she  contem 
plated  it  in  wonder,  in  deeply  troubled  and  alarmed 
perplexity.  It  was  a  momentous  truth,  that  had 
suddenly  been  made  known  as  some  irretrievable 
misfortune  might  have  been  revealed.  She  had 
read  of  love  as  children  hear  of  mental  anxieties  and 
conflicts  of  which  they  have  no  comprehension.  As 
she  grew  older  it  had  been  like  poetry,  music,  ro 
mance, — something  that  kindled  her  imagination 
into  vague,  pleasant  dreams.  It  had  been  as  re 
mote  from  the  present  and  her  own  experience  as 


46  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

lives  of  adventure  in  strange  and  foreign  lands. 
She  had  awakened  at  last  to  find  that  it  was  like  her 
vital  breath  By  some  law  of  her  nature  she  had 
given,  not  merely  her  thoughts  and  affection,  but 
her  very  self  to  another.  To  her  dismay  it  made 
no  difference  that  he  had  not  sought  the  gift  and 
was  not  even  aware  of  it.  Circumstances  over 
which  she  had  no  control  had  brought  her  into  close 
companionship  with  Gray  don  Muir.  She  had  seen 
him  almost  daily  for  years  ;  she  knew  him  with  the 
intimacy  of  a  sister,  yet  without  the  safeguard  of  a 
natural  tie  ;  and  from  his  genial  kindness  she  had 
drawn  almost  all  the  life  she  had  ever  possessed. 
With  an  unconsciousness  akin  to  that  of  a  plant 
which  takes  root  and  thrives  upon  finding  a  soil 
adapted  to  it,  her  love  had  been  developed  by  his 
strong,  sunny  nature.  She  soon  recognized  that  it 
was  a  love  such  as  she  had  never  known,  unlike  that 
for  her  mother  or  sister  or  any  one  else,  and  it 
seemed  to  her  that  it  could  pass  away  only  with  her 
self.  It  was  not  a  vague  sentiment,  an  indefinite 
longing  ;  it  was  the  concentrated  and  imperious  de 
mand  of  her  whole  being,  which,  denied,  left  little 
indeed,  even  were  the  whole  world  hers.  Vet  such 
were  the  cruel  conditions  of  her  lot  that  she  could 
not  speak  of  it  even  to  one  whose  head  had  been 
pillowed  on  the  same  mother's  breast,  and  the 
thought  that  it  might  be  discovered  by  its  object 
made  her  turn  cold  with  dread.  It  was  a  holy 
thing — the  spontaneous  product  of  an  unperverted 
heart — and  yet  she  must  hide  it  as  if  it  were  a  crime. 
Above  all  the  trouble  and  turmoil  of  her  thoughts, 


EFFORT.  47 

clear  and  definite  amid  the  chaos  brought  into  her 
old  quiet,  languid  life,  was  the  impulse — the  neces 
sity — to  conceal  that  which  had  become  the  main 
spring  of  her  existence.  She  had  not  the  experi 
ence  of  one  versed  in  the  ways  of  the  world.  How 
could  others — how  could  he — be  kept  in  ignorance 
of  that  of  which  she  was  so  painfully  and  vividly 
conscious  ?  Therefore,  overwhelmed  with  dread 
and  a  sense  of  helplessness,  she  yielded  to  her  first 
impulse  to  hide,  in  order  that  wrhat  seemed  insepa 
rable  from  herself  might  be  concealed. 

But  she  knew  that  this  seclusion  could  not  last,— 
that  she  must  meet  this  first  and  great  emergency 
of  her  life  in  some  other  way.  From  the  strong 
wish  to  obtain  safety  in  separation,  a  plan  to  bring  it 
about  gradually  took  form  in  her  mind.  She  must 
escape,  either  to  live  or  to  die,  before  her  secret  be 
came  known  ;  and  in  casting  about  for  the  means, 
she  at  last  thought  of  a  family  who  had  been  the 
kindest  of  neighbors  in  the  village  where  her  mother 
had  died.  Mr.  Wayland  and  his  wife  had  been  the 
truest  and  most  sympathetic  of  friends  to  the  widow 
and  her  orphan  children,  and  Madge  felt  that  she 
could  be  at  home  with  them.  Mrs.  Wayland's  pro 
longed  ill-health  had  induced  her  husband  to  try,  in 
her  behalf,  the  remedy  of  an  entire  change  of  air 
and  climate.  Therefore,  they  had  removed,  some 
years  before,  to  Santa  Barbara,  on  the  Pacific  coast. 
The  signal  success  of  the  experiment  now  kindled  a 
glimmer  of  hope  in  poor  Madge.  That  remote  city 
certainly  secured  the  first  requisites — separation  and 
distance — and  the  fact  that  her  friend  found  health 


48  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

and  vigor  in  the  semi-tropical  resort  promised  a  lit 
tle  for  her  frail  young  life.  She  had  few  fears  that 
her  old  friends  would  not  welcome  her,  and  she  was 
in  a  position  to  entail  no  burdens,  even  though  she 
should  remain  an  invalid. 

The  practical  question  was,  How  should  she  get 
there  ?  But  the  more  she  thought  upon  the  plan 
the  more  attractive  it  grew.  The  situation  seemed 
so  desperate  that  she  was  ready  for  a  desperate  rem 
edy.  To  remain  weak,  helpless,  and  in  perpetual 
dread  was  impossible. 

Her  mind  also  was  clear  and  strong  enough  for 
self-arraignment,  and  in  bitterness  she  partially 
condemned  herself  that  she  had  lost  her  chance  for 
happiness.  Her  conscience  had  often  troubled  her 
that  she  had  given  up  so  weakly  to  the  habit  of  in- 
validism,  but  she  had  never  had  sufficient  motive 
for  the  vigorous  and  sustained  effort  essential  to 
overcome  it.  Indeed,  her  frailty  had  seemed  a  claim 
upon  Graydon,  and  made  it  more  natural  for  him  to 
pet  her.  Now  that  she  was  thinking  deeply,  she 
was  compelled  to  admit  that  her  ill  health  was  to 
some  extent  her  fault  as  well  as  her  misfortune. 
Circumstances,  natural  indolence,  and  her  sister's 
extreme  indulgence  had  brought  about  a  condition 
of  life  that  propagated  itself.  One  languid  day  was 
the  parent  of  another,  it  was  so  much  easier  to 
dawdle  than  to  act.  Thus  she  had  lost  her  oppor 
tunity.  If  she  had  won  health,  even  Graydon  said  it 
would  have  brought  her  beauty.  She  might  have 
secured  his  admiration,  respect,  and  even  love,  in 
stead  of  his  pity.  What  could  be  more  absurd  than 


EFFORT.  49 

to  imagine  th.it  he  could  give  aught  else  to  one  like 
herself?  "Oh,  what  a  blind  fool  I  have  been!" 
she  moaned,—  "  blind  to  the  wants  of  my  own 
heart,  blind  to  the  truth  that  a  man  needs  a  strong, 

o " 

genial  eompanion,  and  not  a  dependent  shadow." 

Graydon's  sudden  departure  took  from  her  project 
man}-  obstacles  and  embarrassments.  She  was  not 
afraid  of  her  sister  or  her  remonstrances,  and  felt 
that  she  could  convince  Mr.  Muir  that  the  change 
gave  the  best  promise  for  the  future.  Graydon's 
objections  would  have  been  hard  to  meet.  He 
might  have  been  led  to  guess  her  motive  or  insist 
on  being  her  escort.  Now  it  was  merely  a  question 
of  gaining  sufficient  strength  for  the  journey  and  of 
being  resolute. 

Mrs.  Mu ir's  opposition  was  not  so  great  as  Madge 
had  feared,  and  Mr.  Muir  even  approved  of  the 
\>lan.  The  shrewd  merchant's  judgment  was  usually 
correct  on  all  practical  matters,  and  he  believed  that 
Madge's  best  chance  was  in  a  radical  change.  He 
saw  that  his  wife's  indulgence  tended  to  confirm  her 
sister's  lack  of  energy,  and  that  it  would  be  best  for 
Madge  to  spend  the  next  few  years  with  one  who 
had  regained  her  health  by  wise  endeavor.  Mrs. 
Muir  soon  saw  everything  as  her  husband  viewed  it, 
and  the  young  girl  prepared  for  a  new  world  and  a 
new  life. 

It  was  indeed  a  wise  decision.  There  could  be 
no  more  aimless  drifting  and  brooding.  A  telegram 
to  Mr.  Wayland  brought  immediate  acquiescence  in 
the  project,  which  was  arranged  more  in  detail  by 
letters.  Madge  strove  in  every  possible  way  to  fit 


50  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S   WOOING, 

herself  for  the  journey,  and  was  surprised  at  her 
success.  Better  than  all  tonics  was  the  diversion  of 
her  thoughts,  the  prospect  of  change,  the  necessity 
for  action.  In  her  thoughtful  prudence  she  even 
satisfied  Mrs.  Muir's  solicitude,  for  the  young  girl 
realized  more  fully  every  day  how  much  depended 
upon  her  plan.  It  seemed  to  her  that  there  could 
be  no  greater  misfortune  than  to  become  so  ill  again 
that  in  helplessness  she  must  await  Graydon's 
return.  Therefore,  every  faculty  of  mind,  every 
power  of  body,  was  exerted  to  accomplish  her  pur 
pose  ;  and,  while  her  farewell  to  her  sister  and  Mr. 
Muir  was  tender  and  full  of  gratitude,  the  con 
sciousness  of  escape  was  uppermost  in  her  mind. 
An  elderly  friend  of  Mr.  Muir  would  be  her  escort 
to  San  Francisco,  and  in  that  city  Mr.  Wayland  was 
to  meet  her. 

She  arrived  safely  at  her  far-distant  home,  greatly 
worn  and  exhausted  indeed,  but  calm  in  mind  from 
a  sense  of  security.  Mrs.  Wayland  greeted  her  with 
her  old-time  cordiality,  and  gave  herself  heartily  to 
the  task  of  rallying  the  frail  girl  into  health. 

During  the  days  of  absolute  rest  which  followed 
the  journey,  Madge's  thoughts  were  busy.  The 
width  of  the  continent  would  separate  her  from  the 
past  and  those  associated  with  it.  Both  the  breadth 
of  the  continent  and  the  ocean  were  between  her 
and  him  from  whom  she  had  fled  ;  yet  he  was  ever 
present  to  her  imagination.  In  this  respect  the  in 
tervening  miles  counted  for  nothing.  She  had  not 
hoped  that  they  would.  She  could  conceive  of  no 
plan  of  life  that  left  him  out,  yet  she  felt  that  she 


5 1 

must  have  sonic  object  to  look  forward  to,  some 
motive  for  action.  The  spirit  she  had  recently 
shown  in  taking  so  decisive  a  step  proved  her  to 
possess  a  latent  force  of  character  of  which  she  her 
self  had  not  been  conscious.  She  would  not  sit 
down  to  dream  and  brood  away  the  future.  She 
could  never  hope  for  Graydon  Muir's  love.  He 
would  soon  return  to  New  York,  and  the  idea  that 
Miss  Wildmerc  or  any  other  girl  would  remain  cold 
to  his  suit  was  preposterous.  Yet  if  she  lived  she 
must  meet  Graydon  again,  and  she  now  felt  that  she 
would  live.  The  decision  she  had  manifested  at  the 
crisis  of  her  life  was  kindling  her  nature.  She  was 
conscious  of  a  growing  inclination  to  prove  to  Gray 
don  that  she  was  neither  "  weak  nor  lackadaisical." 
The  reproach  of  these,  his  words,  haunted  her  and 
rankled  in  her  memory.  If  she  could  only  make 
him  respect  her — if  she  could  only  win  such  a  look 
of  admiration  as  she  had  seen  upon  his  face  when 
he  first  recognized  Miss  Wildmere  at  the  party,  it 
would  be  a  triumph  indeed. 

Thus  a  new  plan,  a  new  hope,  was  developed,  and 
became  the  inspiration  of  effort.  She  listened  un- 
wenriedly  as  Mrs.  Wayland  related  how  she  had 
turned  the  tide  of  her  ebbing  vitality.  Thus  Madge 
gained  the  benefit  of  another's  experience.  Little 
by  little  she  sought  to  increase  her  slender  resources 
of  strength.  The  superb  climate  enabled  her  to 
live  almost  in  the  open  air,  and  each  day  she  exulted 
over  an  increase  of  vigor.  *  Almost  everything 
favored  her  in  her  new  home.  When  she  was  well 
enough  to  go  out  much  the  strangers  had  gone,  and 


52  .•/    YOUN^  GIKI.  '.V   IVOO1XG. 

everything  in  the  town  was  restful,  yet  not  enervat 
ing.  The  Waylands,  while  on  the  best  terms  with 
other  permanent  residents,  were  not  society  people. 
Mrs.  \Yayland  had  become  satisfied  with  that  phase 
of  life  in  her  youth.  Her  husband  was  a  reader,  a 
student,  and  something  of  a  naturalist.  The  do 
mestic  habits  which  had  been  formed  while  Mrs. 
Wayland  was  an  invalid  still  clung  to  them.  \Yhile 
never  ceasing  to  be  kind  neighbors,  they  were  more 
than  content  with  books,  nature,  and  each  other. 
Madge  therefore  had  access  to  a  very  fine  library, 
and  the  companionship  of  intellectual  people  who 
had  known  from  contact  the  present  world,  and  in 
whose  cultivated  minds  dwelt  the  experiences  of  the 
past.  Her  friends  were  in  the  habit  of  discussing 
what  they  read,  and  the  basis  of  much  of  their 
enjoyment — as  of  all  true  companionship — was  har 
monious  disagreement.  Thus  the  young  girl  was 
insensibly  taught  to  think  for  herself  and  to  form 
her  own  opinions.  They  also  proved  admirable 
guides  in  directing  her  reading.  She  felt  that  she 
had  read  enough  for  mere  amusement,  and  now  de 
termined  to  become  familiar  with  the  great  master 
minds,  so  far  as  she  was  capable  of  following  them, 
and  to  inform  herself  on  those  subjects  which  Mr. 
Wayland  declared  essential  to  an  education. 

If  circumstances  within  doors  were  conducive  to 
mental  growth,  those  without  were  even  more  favor 
able  to  physical  development.  The  salt  air  and 
softly  tempered  suitshine  were  perpetual  tonics. 
The  place  was  full  of  exquisite  flowers.  She  felt 
that  she  had  never  seen  roses  until  she  came  to 


F.FFORT.  5^ 

Santa  Barbara.  To  a  wounded,  sensitive  spirit 
there  is  even  a  healing  influence  in  the  brightness 
and  perfume  of  flowers.  They  smiled  so  sweetly  at 
her  that  she  could  not  help  smiling  back.  The 
sunny  days  passed,  one  so  like  another  that  they 
begot  serenity.  The  even  climate,  with  its  sunny 
skies,  tended  to  inspirit  as  well  as  to  invigorate.  Al 
most  every  day  she  spent  hours  in  driving  and  sail 
ing,  and  as  the  season  advanced  she  began  to  take 
ocean  baths,  which  on  that  genial  coast  are  suitable 
almost  all  the  year  round.  Going  thus  to  nature 
for  healing,  she  did  not  appeal  in  vain.  Strength 
and  grace  were  bestowed  imperceptibly,  yet  surely, 
as  spring  clothes  the  leafless  tree. 

A  love  such  as  had  grown  unbidden  and  uncon 
sciously  in  Madge's  heart  could  not  be  content  with 
the  meagre  reward  of  a  little  admiration.  Such  an 
affection  was  softening  and  ennobling  in  its  charac 
ter,  and  the  mere  desire  to  compel  Graydon  to 
glance  at  her  as  she  had  seen  him  look  at  Miss 
Wildmere  grew  into  the  higher  ambition  to  become 
such  a  woman  as  would  approach  in  some  degree  his 
ideal.  She  knew  his  tastes,  and  as  she  thought 
over  the  past  she  believed  she  could  gauge  his  char 
acter  as  could  no  other.  She  soon  recogni/.cd  that 
he  was  not  an  exceptional  man,  that  she  was  noi 
worshipping  a  hero.  lie  himself  would  be  the  last 
one  to  claim  pre-eminence  among  his  fellows.  Hut 
his  genial,  open  nature,  his  physical  strength,  and 
his  generous,  kindly  impulses  made  him  an  emi 
nently  lovable  man,  and-  -well,  she  loved  him,  and 
believed  she  ever  should.  Frail  and  defective  in 


54  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S   WOOING. 

almost  every  respect  herself,  she  \vould  have  thought 
it  absurd  to  cherish  some  lofty  and  impossible  ideal, 
lie  was  heart\%  wholesome,  honest,  and  she  soon 
began  to  see  that  it  would  be  a  better  and  a  nobler 
thing — a  nearer  approach  to  happiness — to  become 
a  woman  whom  he  could  trust  and  respectthan  merely 
to  win  a  little  admiration  as  a  tribute  to  ephemeral 
beauty. 

She  would  attain  beauty  if  she  could,  but  it 
should  be  the  appendage,  the  ornament  of  mind  and 
character.  She,  who  had  seemed  to  him  weakness 
itself,  would  aim  to  suggest  eventually  that  noblest 
phase  of  strength, • — woman's  patience  and  fortitude. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  Madge  reached 
these  conclusions  in  clays,  weeks,  or  even  months. 
Her  final  purposes  were  the  result  of  slow,  half- 
conscious  growth.  Right,  brave  action  produced 
right  feeling,  and  there  are  few  better  moral  tonics 
than  developing  health.  With  richer,  better  blood 
came  truer,  higher,  and  more  unselfish  thoughts. 
She  found  that  she  could  not  only  live,  but  that 
vigorous,  well-directed  life  is  in  itself  enjoyment. 
It  was  a  pleasure  to  breathe  the  pure,  balmy  air, 
even  when  reclining  in  a  carriage  or  a  sail-boat,  and 
as  she  gained  strength  sufficient  for  exercise,  she 
soon  became  aware  of  the  rich  physical  rewards  that 
wait  upon  it.  Slowly  at  first,  but  with  an  increas 
ing  impetus,  she  advanced  toward  health,  the  con 
dition  of  all  genuine  life.  She  at  last  exchanged 
her  carriage  for  a  saddle-horse. 

Mr.  Wayland  had  one  taste  in  which  his  wife  did 
not  share, — a  love  for  horseback  exercise,  which,  in- 


KFFOKT.  55 

deed,  was  one  of  the  chief  characteristics  of  the  com 
munity.  Madge  knew  that  Graydon  was  extremely 
fond  of  a  good  horse,  and  that  he  rode  superbly. 
To  become  his  equal  therefore  in  this  respect  was 
one  of  the  chief  dreams  of  her  ambition.  It  was 
with  almost  a  sense  of  terror  that  she  mounted  at 
first,  but  Mr.  Way  land  was  considerate.  Her  horse 
was  only  permitted  to  walk,  and  she  was  taken  off 
as  soon  as  she  was  weary.  Confidence  increased 
rapidly,  and  eventually  she  became  fearless  and 
almost  tireless.  The  beach  was  like  a  smooth,  hard 
road-bed,  and  before  the  summer  was  over  she 
thought  little  of  a  gallop  of  ten  miles,  with  the 
breath  of  the  Pacific  fanning  her  cheek.  When  Mr. 
Wayland  drove  with  his  wife  up  through  Mission 
and  Hot  Springs  canons,  or  eight  miles  away  to  the 
exquisitely  beautiful  Bartlett  Canon  and  the  fine 
adjacent  ranches,  she  accompanied  then)  on  horse 
back.  As  she  flashed  along  past  date  palms,  and 
through  lemon  and  orange  groves,  she  began  to  ap 
pear  semi-tropical  herself.  She  also  became  Mr. 
VVayland's  companion  on  his  botanizing  expeditions, 
and  her  steps  among  the  rocks  of  the  foot-hills  and 
on  the  slopes  of  the  mountains  grew  surer,  lighter, 
and  more  unwearied.  Color  stole  into  her  face,  and 
a  soft  fire  into  her  dark  eyes  when  animated.  Mrs. 
Wayland  looked  on  with  increasing  delight,  and 
thought,  "  She  is  growing  very  beautiful.  I  won 
der  if  she  knows  it  ?" 

Indeed  she  knew  it  well.  What  young  girl  does 
not  ?  But  Madge  had  a  motive  for  knowledge  of 
which  Mrs.  Wayland  did  not  dream.  In  the  main 


56  A    YOU.VG   <?//.' /.'.V   U'OOIXG. 

the  girl  was  her  own  physician,  and  observed  her 
symptoms  closely.  She  knew  well  what  beauty  was. 
Her  vivid  fancy  would  at  any  time  recall  Miss  Wild- 
mere  as  a  living  presence  ;  therefore  her  standard 
was  exceedingly  high,  and  she  watched  her  ap 
proach  to  it  as  to  a  distant  and  eagerly  sought  goal. 
Other  eyes  gave  assurance  that  her  own  were  not 
deceiving  her.  The  invalid  on  whom  at  first  but 
brief  and  commiserating  glances  had  been  bestowed 
was  beginning  to  be  followed  by  admiring  observa 
tion.  Society  recognized  her  claims,  and  she  was 
gaining  even  more  attention  than  she  desired.  As 
her  strength  increased  she  accepted  invitations,  and 
permitted  the  circle  of  her  acquaintance  to  widen. 
It  was  part  of  her  plan  to  become  as  much  at  home 
in  the  social  world  as  Graydon  himself.  Nor  was 
she  long  in  overcoming  a  diffidence  that  had  been 
almost  painful.  In  one  sense  these  people  were  to 
her  simply  a  means  to  an  end.  She  cared  so  little 
for  them  that  she  was  not  afraid,  and  had  merely  to 
acquire  the  case  which  results  from  usage.  Diffi 
dence  soon  passed  into  a  shy  grace  that  was  indefin 
able  and  yet  became  a  recognized  trait.  The  least 
approach  to  loudness  and  aggressiveness  in  manner 
was  not  only  impossible  to  her,  but  she  also  pos 
sessed  the  refinement  and  tact  of  which  only  ex 
tremely  sensitive  natures  are  capable.  A  vain,  sel 
fish  woman  is  so  preoccupied  with  herself  that  she 
does  not  see  or  care  what  others  are,  or  are  think 
ing  of,  unless  the  facts  are  obtruded  upon  her  ;  an 
other,  with  the  kindest  intentions,  may  not  be  able 
to  see,  and  so  blunders  lamentably  ;  but  Madge  was 


EFFORT.  57 

so  finely  organized  that  each  one  who  approached 
her  made  a  definite  impression,  and  without  con 
scious  effort  she  responded,- — not  with  a  conven 
tional  and  stereotyped  politeness,  but  with  an 
appreciative  courtesy  which,  as  she  gained  confi 
dence  and  readiness  of  expression,  gave  an  unfailing 
charm  to  her  society.  With  fe\v  preconceived  and 
arbitrary  notions  of  her  own  she  accepted  people  as 
they  were,  and  made  the  most  of  them.  Of  course 
there  were  some  in  whom  even  the  broadest  charity 
could  find  little  to  approve  ;  but  it  was  her  purpose 
to  study  and  understand  them  and  lose  forever  the 
unsophisticated  ignorance  at  which  Graydon  had 
used  to  laugh. 

Santa  Barbara  was  a  winter  resort,  and  she  had 
the  advantage  of  meeting  many  types.  In  Mrs. 
\Vayland  she  had  a  useful  mentor.  This  lad}'  in 
her  younger  days  had  been  familiar  with  the  best 
phases  of  metropolitan  society,  and  she  counter 
acted  in  Madge  all  tendencies  toward  provincialism. 
Thus  it  gradually  became  recognized  that  the  "  shy, 
sickly  little  girl,"  as  she  had  been  characterized  at 
first,  was  growing  into  a  very  attractive  young 
woman.  Indeed,  after  an  absence  of  only  a  year 
her  own  sister  would  scarcely  have  recognized  her. 


CHAPTER    V. 

A  C  II  I  E  V  ]•]  M  K  N  T  . 

MRS.    MUIR    of   course   heard   often   from  her 
sister,  and  was   satisfied  with  the   general  as 
surance  that  she  was  better  and   steadily  improving. 
Madge,  however,  was  rather  indefinite  in  her  infor- 

o      ' 

mation.  As  time  passed,  the  idea  of  giving  her 
friends  in  the  East  a  surprise  took  possession  of  her 
fancy.  She  instinctively  felt  that  she  needed  every 
incentive  to  pursue  the  course  she  had  resolved 
upon,  since  she  often  suffered  from  fits  of  depression 
hard  to  combat.  The  hope  of  appearing  like  a  new 
being  to  her  relatives  was  another  innocent  motive 
for  her  long-prolonged  effort.  Circumstances  had 
never  developed  epistolary  tastes  in  the  sisters,  and 
they  were  content  with  brief  missives  containing 
general  assurances  that  all  was  well.  Mrs.  Muir 
was  one  of  those  ladies  who  become  engrossed  with 
the  actual  and  the  present.  Had  Madge  been  in 
her  old  room  she  would  have  been  looked  after  with 
daily  solicitude  ;  being  absent  she  was  loved  none 
the  less,  but  was  simply  crowded  from  thought  and 
memory  by  swarms  of  little  cares.  She  was  doing 
well,  and  her  sister  was  satisfied.  '  It's  a  wonder- 


ACHIEVEMEN7\  59 

ful  climate,'  Madge  writes,"  she  would  say,  "so 
even  and  dry.  Madge  doesn't  take  cold  as  she  did 
here,  and  can  go  out  nearly  every  day.  Perhaps  we 
ought  to  become  reconciled  to  the  fact  that  she  will 
have  to  live  there  always,  since  here,  with  our  sud 
den  changes,  she  could  scarcely  live  at  all." 

With  the  kindliest  intentions  Graydon  had  sought 
to  initiate  a  vigorous  correspondence,  lie  had 
learned  with  immense  relief  of  Madge's  improve 
ment  through  change  of  residence,  and  he  felt  that 
a  series  of  jolly  letters  might  bring  aid  and  hopeful 
ness.  Her  responses  were  not  very  encouraging, 
however,  and  business  cares,  with  the  novelty  of 
foreign  life,  gradually  absorbed  his  thoughts  and 
time  until  correspondence  languished  and  died. 

It's  the  old  story,"  he  thought,  with  a  shade  of 
irritation.  '  Letters  cost  effort,  and  she  is  not 
equal  to  eflort,  or  thinks  she  is  not." 

If  he  could  have  seen  Madge  at  that  moment  rid 
ing  like  the  wind  on  a  spirited  horse  he  would  have 
been  more  astonished  than  by  any  of  the  wonders  of 
the  old  world. 

To  Madge  his  letters  were  a  source  of  mingled 
pain  and  pleasure,  but  the  former  predominated. 
In  every  line  the}'  breathed  an  affection  which  could 
never  satisfy.  Coldness  or  indifference  could  not 
have  so  assured  her  that  her  love  was  hopeless  ;  and 
\\hen  she  sat  down  to  reply,  the  language  of  her 
heart  was  so  unlike  that  which  she  must  write  as  to 
make  her  feel  almost  guilt}'  of  deliberate  deception. 
(  orrespondcnce  made  him  too  vividly  present,  and 
she  was  learning  that  she  had  the  power,  not  of  tor- 


60  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   IV GOING. 

getting  him,  but  of  so  occupying  her  mind  with 
tasks  for  his  sake  as  to  attain  serenity.  The  days 
were  made  short  by  efforts  of  which  he  deemed  her 
incapable,  and  weariness  brought  rest  at  night. 
But  when  she  sat  down  with  her  pen,  confronting 
him  and  not  what  she  sought  to  do  for  him,  her 
heart  sank.  He  was  too  near  and  dear,  yet  too 
remote,  even  for  hope. 

This  emotion  is,  however,  the  most  hardy  of 
plants,  and  although  she  had  often  assured  herself 
that  she  had  never  entertained  it  or  had  any  reason 
to  do  so,  almost  before  she  was  aware  she  found  it 
growing  in  her  heart.  Business  still  kept  Graydon 
abroad,  although  a  year  had  passed.  There  were 
no  indications  that  he  was  pressing  his  suit  with 
Miss  Wildmere,  and  our  heroine's  mirror  and  the 
eyes  of  others  began  to  tell  her  that  the  confident 
belle  would  not  now  bestow  a  glance  so  cold  and 
indifferent  as  to  mean,  "  You  can  be  nothing  to  him 
or  to  any  one."  Moreover,  Miss  Wildmere's 
coveted  beauty  might  prove  an  ally.  One  so  at 
tractive  would  be  sought,  perhaps  won,  before  Gray 
don  returned,  and  absence  might  have  taught  him 
that  his  regard  had  been  little  more  than  admira 
tion.  Naturally  Madge  would  not  be  inclined  to 
think  well  of  one  who  had  brought  so  cruel  an  ex 
perience  into  her  life  ;  but,  prejudice  apart,  the 
society  girl  had  given  evidence  of  a  type  of  woman 
hood  not  very  high.  Even  Graydon,  in  his  allusions, 
had  suggested  a  character  repulsive  to  Madge.  A 
woman  "  as  hard  to  capture  and  hold  as  a  Bedouin" 
was  not  at  all  her  ideal.  The  words  presented  to 


ACHIEVEMENT.  61 

her  one   who   was   cither  calculating1  or  capricious, 
either  heartless  or  fickle. 

"  Truly,"  she  thought,  "  if  there  was  ever  a  man 
who  merited  whole-hearted,  life-long  constancy,  it 
is  Graydon  Muir  ;  and  if  he  even  imagines  Miss 
Wildmere  incapable  of  this,  why  should  he  think 
further  of  her  ?  Perhaps  while  beyond  the  spell  of 
her  beauty  he  has  formed  a  truer  estimate  of  her 
character,  and  has  abandoned  all  thought  of  her  as 
a  mocking  dream.  Perhaps — 

Of  what  possibilities  will  not  a  young  girl  dream 
at  the  dictation  of  her  heart  ?  And  as  she  saw  the 
sharp  lines  of  her  profile  softening  into  loveliness, 
the  color  fluctuating  in  her  cheeks  even  at  her 
thoughts,  her  thin,  feeble  arms  growing  white  and 
firm,  and  the  rounded  grace  of  womanhood  appear 
ing  in  all  her  form,  she  began  to  hope  that  she 
could  endure  comparison  with  Miss  Wildmere,  even 
on  her  lower  plane  of  material  beauty.  But  Madge 
had  too  much  mind  to  be  content  with  Miss  Wild- 
mere's  standard.  She  coveted  outward  attractive 
ness  chiefly  that  the  casket  might  secure  attention 
to  its  gems.  The  days  of  languid,  desultory  reading 
and  study  were  over,  and  she  determined  to  know 
at  least  a  few  things  well. 

It  was  to  music,  however,  that  she  gave  her  chief 
attention,  since  she  believed  that  for  this  art  she 
had  some  positive  talent.  A  German  in  the  pursuit 
of  health  had  drifted  to  the  remote  southern  city, 
lie  was  past  middle  age,  but  had  retained  through 
numberless  disappointments  and  discouragements 
the  one  enthusiasm  of  his  life  ;  and  in  Madge  he 


62  .•;    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

found  a  pupil  after  his  own  heart.  While  his  voice 
had  lost  much  of  its  freshness  and  power,  his  taste 
was  pure  and  refined,  lie  kindled  in  the  young  girl's 
mind  something  of  his  own  love  and  reverence  for 
music  on  its  own  account.  To  Madge,  however,  it 
would  always  remain  a  method  of  expression  rather 
than  a  science  or  an  art,  and  the  old  professor  at 
last  learned  to  recognize  her  limitations.  She 
would  be  excellent  in  only  those  phases  of  music 
which  were  in  accord  with  her  own  feeling  and 
thought.  She  would  not,  perhaps  could  not,  study- 
it  as  he  IK  _1  done,  for  her  woman's  nature  and  the 
growing  purpose  of  her  life  were  ever  in  the  ascend 
ant  ;  but  under  his  guidance  her  taste  grew  purer 
and  her  knowledge  and  power  increased  rapidly. 
What  she  did  she  learned  to  do  well.  Even  Herr 
Brachmann  was  often  charmed  by  the  delicate  orig 
inality  of  her  touch,  which  proved  that  her  own 
thought  and  feeling  were  infused  into  the  music  be 
fore  her. 

But  her  voice  delighted  him  most.  With  her  in 
creasing  vigor  was  gained  the  ability  to  use  her 
vocal  organs  in  sustained  effort.  He  guarded  her 
carefully  against  over-exertion,  and  her  advance 
was  assured  and  safe.  Note  after  note,  true,  sweet, 
and  strong,  was  added  to  the  compass  of  her  voice, 
and  this  exercise  reacted  with  increased  benefit  on 
her  general  health.  One  can  scarcely  become  a 
vocalist  without  toning  up  the  vital  organs,  and  in 
learning  to  sing  Madge  provided  an  antidote  against 
consumptive  tendencies.  Her  gift  of  song  at  last 
beiran  to  attract  attention.  Strangers  loitered  near 


.•/  CITIE  YEMEN  T.  63 

the  VVayland  Cottage  during  warm,  quiet  evenings, 
and  in  society  she  was  importuned  by  those  who 
had  heard  her  before.  She  usually  complied,  for 
she  was  training  herself  to  sing  before  an  audience 
of  one  who  was  familiar  with  the  best  musical  talent 
of  the  world.  Not  that  she  wished  to  invite  com 
parisons  with  this  kind  of  talent,  but  merely  to  sing 
with  such  simple  sweetness  and  truth  that  Graydon 
would  forget  the  trained  professional  in  the  un 
affected  charm  of  the  natural  girl. 

The  manner  of  those  who  listened  stimulated  her 
hope.  At  the  first  notes  of  her  song  all  conversa 
tion  ceased.  Even  the  unappreciative  were  im 
pressed  by  a  certain  pathos,  an  appealing  minor 
tone,  which  touched  the  heart  while  pleasing  the  ear. 

During  the  long  summer  that  followed  her  first 
winter  at  Santa  Barbara  the  little  town  sank  into  a 
semi-torpid  state.  Strangers  disappeared.  With 
many  of  the  permanent  residents  to  kill  time  was 
the  main  object  of  languid  effort.  To  Madge  the 
season  brought  varied  opportunity.  The  old  pro 
fessor  gave  her  much  of  his  time.  While  others 
slept  she  read  and  studied.  The  heat,  tempered  by 
the  vast  Pacific,  was  never  great,  and  the  air  had  a 
vitality  that  proved  a  constant  aid  to  her  control 
ling  motive.  In  the  morning  she  rode  or  took  some 
form  of  skilled  exercise  in  which  she  knew  Graydon 
to  be  proficient,  and  she  rarely  missed  her  ocean 
bath.  Such  health  was  she  acquiring  that  it  was 
becoming  a  joy  in  itself.  As  with  all  earnest,  con 
stant  natures,  however,  her  supreme  motive  grew 
stroni/er  with  1  hue. 


6 4  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

In  August  she  received  tidings  from  the  East  that 
caused  much  solicitude  and  depression.  Graydon 
had  returned  for  a  brief  visit,  and  had  joined  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Muir  at  a  seaside  inn.  "  A  Miss  Wild- 
mere  is  staying  here  also,"  her  sister  wrote,  "  and, 
somewhat  to  Mr.  Muir's  disapproval,  Graydon 
seems  not  only  well  acquainted  with  her,  but  un 
usually  friendly.  Mr.  Muir  says  that  if  she  is  like 
her  father  she  is  a  '  speculator  ; '  and  from  the  atten 
tion  she  receives  and  the  way  she  receives  it  one 
would  think  he  was  right.  Graydon,  however, 
seems  to  be  her  favorite,  and  if  he  could  remain 
long  enough  it  is  not  hard  to  see  what  might  hap 
pen.  But  she  is  a  great  belle  and  a  coquette  too,  I 
should  imagine,  and  she  has  a  large  enough  follow 
ing  to  turn  any  girl's  head.  I  don't  wonder  at  it 
either,  for  she  is  the  most  lovely  creature  I  ever 
saw,  and  yet  she  doesn't  make  a  pleasant  impres 
sion  on  me.  The  men  are  just  wild  about  her. 
Mr.  Muir  looks  askance  at  Graydon's  devotion,  and 
mutters  '  speculator  '  when  Miss  Wildmere's  name 
is  mentioned.  Graydon  returns  to  Europe  next 
week.  He  inquires  often  after  you,  and  his  ques 
tions  make  me  feel  that  I  don't  know  as  much 
about  you  and  what  you  are  doing  as  I  should. 
You  write  often,  but  somehow  you  seem  remote  in 
more  senses  than  one.  I  suppose,  however,  you 
are  reading  as  usual,  and  just  floating  along  down 
stream  with  time.  Well,  no  matter,  dear.  You 
write  that  you  arc  better  and  stronger,  and  have  no 
more  of  your  old  dreadful  colds.  You  must  spend 


A  CI11E  I  'EM EX  T.  65 

next  summer  with  us,  even  if  you  have  to  go  back- 
to  Santa  Barbara  in  the  winter." 

Neither  the  shortness  of  his  visit  nor  the  fascina 
tions  of  Miss  Wildmere  prevented  Graydon  from 
writing  Madge  a  cordial  note  full  of  regret  that  he 
should  not  see  her.  '  You  have  indeed,"  he  wrote, 
"vanished  like  a  ghost,  and  become  but  a  haunt 
ing  memory.  It  is  a  year  and  a  half  since  I  have 
seen  you,  and  I  did  not  succeed  in  beguiling  you 
into  a  correspondence.  Like  the  good  Indians  you 
have  followed  the  setting  sun  into  some  region  as 
vague  and  distant  as  the  'happy  hunting-ground.' 
Mary  says  that  you  will  come  East  next  summer. 
The  idea  !  Is  there  anything  of  you  to  come  that 
is  corporate  and  real?  If  I  had  the  time  I  would 
go  to  you  and  see.  I  find  Miss  Wildmere  just 
about  where  I  left  her,  only  more  beautiful  and  fas 
cinating,  and  besieged  by  a  host.  Absence  makes 
my  chance  slight  indeed,  but  I  do  not  despair. 
She  so  evidently  enjoys  a  defensive  warfare,  wherein 
it  is  the  besiegers  who  capitulate,  that  she  may 
maintain  it  until  my  exile  abroad  is  over.  This  is 
to  my  mind  a  more  rational  interpretation  of  her 
freedom  than  that  she  is  waiting  for  me  ;  and  thus 
I  reveal  to  you  that  modesty  is  my  most  prominent 
trait.  She  may  be  married  before  I  see  her  again  ; 
and  should  this  prove  to  be  the  case  I  will  show  you 
what  a  model  of  heroic  equanimity  I  can  be." 

Madge  read  this  letter  with  a  sigh  of  intense 
relief,  and  was  not  long  in  resolving  that  when  In; 
came  again  she  would  enter  the  lists  with  Miss 


f>6  A    YOU  KG   GfRL'S   WOO  TNG. 

Wildmcre  and  do  what  her  nature  permitted  before 
her  chance  of  happiness  passed  irrevocably.  Gray- 
don's  letter  kindled  her  hope  greatly.  It  seemed 
to  her  that  she  was  to  have  a  chance,' — that  her 
patient  effort  might  receive  the  highest  reward  after 
all.  She  thanked  God  for  the  hope.  Her  love  was 
a  sacred  thing.  It  was  the  natural,  uncalculating 
outgrowth  of  her  womanhood,  and  was  inciting  her 
toward  all  womanly  grace.  She  did  not  believe-  her 
motive,  her  purpose,  to  be  unwomanly.  Should 
the  opportunity  offer,  she  did  not  intend  to  win 
Graydon  by  angling  for  him,  by  arts,  blandish 
ments,  or  one  unmaidenly  advance.  She  would  try 
to  be  so  admirable  that  he  would  admire  her,  so 
true  that  he  would  trust  her,  and  so  fascinating  that 
he  would  woo  her  with  a  devotion  that  would  leave 
no  chance  for  "  equanimity"  were  it  possible  for 
him  to  fail.  If  in  her  desperate  weakness,  in  the 
chaos  of  her  first  self-knowledge,  she  could  hide  her 
secret,  she  smiled  at  the  possibility  of  revealing  it 
now  that  she  had  been  schooled  and  trained  into 
strength  and  self-control. 

In  her  brief  letter  of  reply  to  Graydon  she  wrote  : 
'  That  I  still  exist  and  shall  continue  to  live  is 
proved  by  iry  one  trait  which  you  regard  as  encour 
aging, — curiosity.  Please  send  me  some  books  that 
will  tell  me  about  Europe, .or,  rather,  will  present 
Europe  as  nearly  as  possible  in  its  real  aspect.  I 
may  never  travel,  but  am  foolish  enough  to  imagine 
that  I  can  see  the  world  from  the  standpoint  of  this 
sleepy  old  town." 

Poor  little   wraith  !"   said   Graydon,  as  he  read 


A  CHIE  VRMENT.  6  7 

the  words.  '  What  a  queer,  shadowy  world  her 
fancy  will  create,  even  from  the  most  realistic  de 
scriptions  I  can  send  her  !"  But  he  good-naturedly 
made  up  a  large  bundle  of  books,  in  which  fiction 
predominated,  for  he  believed  that  she  would  read 
nothing  else. 

The  days  glided  on,  autumn  merged  into  winter, 
and  strangers  came  again.  Madge  was  acquiring 
an  experience  of  which  at  one  time  she  had  never 
dreamed.  She  found  herself  in  Miss  Wildmere's 
position.  Every  day  she  was  put  more  and  more 
on  the  defensive.  Gentlemen  eagerly  sought  her 
society,  and  her  situation  was  often  truly  embarrass 
ing,  for  she  had  as  little  desire  that  the  besiegers 
should  capitulate  as  she  had  intention  of  surrender 
ing  herself.  In  this  respect  Miss  Wildmere's  tactics 
were  easier  to  carry  out.  She  was  not  in  the  least 
annoyed  by  any  number  of  abject  and  committed 
slaves,  and  she  was  approaching  the  period  when 
she  proposed  to  surrender  with  great  discretion,  but 
to  whom  was  not  a  settled  point. 

Madge  was  beginning  to  make  victims  also,  but 
she  made  them  by  being  simply  what  she  was,  and 
those  who  suffered  most  had  to  admit  to  themselves 
that  she  was  almost  as  elusive  as  a  spirit  of  the  air. 

In  the  spring  visitors  to  the  health  resort,  return 
ing  to  the  East,  brought  to  the  Muirs  rumors  of 
Madge's  beauty,  fascination,  and  accomplishments. 
They  were  a  little  puzzled,  but  concluded  that 
Madge  had  appeared  well  in  a  rendezvous  of  in 
valids,  and  were  glad  to  believe  that  she  was  much 
better.  Prudent  Mrs.  Muir  wrote,  however,  "  Do 


68  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

not  think  of  returning  till  the  last  of  May.  Then 
we  shall  soon  go  to  the  mountains.  This  will  be 
another  change,  and  change  in  your  case,  you 
know,  has  proved  so  beneficial  !  We  expect  Gray- 
don  soon.  He  is  tired  of  residence  abroad,  and  has 
so  arranged  the  business  that  a  confidential  clerk 
can  take  his  place." 

Madge    smiled     and     sighed.      The    test     of    her 
patient  endeavor  was  about  to  come. 


CHAPTER    VI. 

THK    SKCKKT    OF    BHAUTY. 

MR.  and  Mrs.  \Vayland  had  become  so  attached 
to  Madge  that  they  were  the  more  ready  to 
listen  to  her  solicitation  that  they  should  accom 
pany  her  East  and  visit  their  old  haunts.  '  Very 
likely  I  shall  return  with  you,"  said  the  young 
girl,  "  and  make  Santa  Barbara  my  home." 

This  indeed  was  her  plan  should  defeat  await  her. 
She  had  become  attached  to  the  seaside  town,  as 
we  do  to  all  places  that  witness  the  soul's  deepest 
experiences  and  best  achievements.  She  had 
learned  there  to  hope  for  the  highest  of  earth's 
gifts  ;  she  believed  that  she  could  live  there  a 
serene,  quiet,  unselfish  life,  her  secret  still  un 
known,  should  that  be  her  fate. 

The  old  German  professor  was  almost  heart 
broken  at  her  departure.  '  It  vas  alvays  so,"  he 
said  ;  "  veil  mine  heart  vas  settled  on  someding, 
den  I  lose  it  ;"  but  she  reassured  him  by  saying  that 
there  was  no  certainty  that  she  would  not  return. 

Mary  Muir  was  so  overwhelmed  with  astonish 
ment  that  at  first  she  scarcely  returned  Madge's 
warm  embrace.  She  expected  to  find  her  sister 


70  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

much  stronger  and  better  ;  but  this  radiant,  beauti 
ful  girl,  half  a  head  taller  than  herself, — \vas  she  the 
shadowy  creature  who  had  gone  away  with  what 
seemed  a  forlorn  hope  ?  She  held  Madge  off  and 
looked  at  her,  she  drew  her  to  a  mirror  and  looked 
at  her  again,  then  exclaimed,  "  This  is  a  miracle  ! 
Why  did  you  not  tell  me  ?" 

I  wished  to  surprise  you.  1  did  write  that  I 
was  better. " 

'  This  is  not  better  ;  it  is  best.  (J  Madge,  you 
have  grown  so  pretty  you  almost  take  away  my 
breath, — all  travel-stained  and  weary,  too,  from 
your  journey  !  What  will  not  Henry  say  ^  I  should 
scarcely  have  known  you.  Surely  now  you  need 
not  go  back.  You  are  the  picture  of  health." 

'  We  shall  see,"  said  Madge,  quietly.  "  It  may 
be  best  if  I  find  that  the  East  docs  not  agree  with 
me."  She  was  fully  determined  to  keep  open  her 
line  of  retreat. 

Mr.  Muir,  in  his  quiet  way,  enjoyed  the  transfor 
mation  as  greatly  as  did  his  wife.  He  had  foreseen 
changes  for  the  better,  but  had  not  hoped  for  any 
thing  like  this,  he  declared. 

I  just  want  to  be  near  when  Gray  don  first  sees 
you  !"  exclaimed  voluble  Mrs.  Muir,  at  the  dinner- 
table. 

The  remark  was  unexpected,  and  Madge,  to  her 
dismay,  found  the  blood  rushing  to  her  face.  Quick 
as  thought  she  put  her  handkerchief  to  her  mouth, 
and  sought  to  escape  notice  under  the  ruse  of  a 
brief  strangulation.  '  This  is  not  going  to  answer 
at  all,"  she  thought.  "  I  must  acquire  a  better 


THE    SECRET   OF  BEAUTY.  71 

self-control."  She  at  once  began  talking  about 
Graydon  in  the  most  simple  and  natural  manner 
possible,  asking  many  questions.  Mrs.  Muir's  in 
tuition  and  powers  of  observation  were  not  very 
great,  and  she  was  without  the  faintest  suspicion  of 
what  was  passing  in  Madge's  mind.  Keen-eyed, 
reticent  Mr.  Muir  was  not  so  unheeding,  however. 
When  Graydon 's  name  was  mentioned  he  happened 
to  glance  up  from  the  dinner  which  usually  absorbed 
his  attention.  In  dealing  with  men  he  had  acquired 
the  habit  of  keen  observation.  During  a  business 
transaction  his  impassive  face  and  quiet  eyes  gave 
no  evidence  of  his  searching  scrutiny.  He  not 
only  heard  and  weighed  the  words  to  which  he  list 
ened,  but  ever  sought  to  follow  the  mental  proc 
esses  behind  them  ;  and  often  men  had  been  per 
plexed  by  the  fact  that  the  banker  had  appar 
ently  arrived  at  conclusions  opposite  to  the  tenor 
of  their  statements.  When,  therefore,  he  saw  the 
color  flying  into  Madge's  face  at  the  unexpected 
utterance  of  his  brother's  name,  his  attention  was 
arrested  and  an  impression  made  to  which  his  mind 
\vould  revert  in  the  future.  It  might  mean  noth 
ing  ;  it  might  mean  a  great  deal.  Business  and 
home  life  were  everything  to  Mr.  Muir,  and  Gray- 
•  Ion's  admiration  of  Miss  Wildmere  did  not  promise 
well  for  either. 

The  power  that  Mr.  Muir  had  acquired  mainly  by 
practice  Madge  possessed  by  nature.  As  we  have 
seen,  she  was  quite  free  from  that  most  unwomanly 
phase  of  stupidity  which  is  often  due  to  the  heart 
rather  than  the  head.  Some  women  know  what  is 


72  A    YOUNG    GIRi: S   WOOING. 

told  them  if  it  is  told  plainly  ;  others  look  into  the 
eyes  of  those  around  them  and  sec  what  is  sought 
to  be  concealed.  The  selfish  woman  is  self-blinded. 
She  often  has  great  powers  of  discernment,  but  will 
not  take  the  trouble  to  use  them,  unless  prompt 
ed  by  her  own  interests.  Selfishness  is  too  short 
sighted,  however,  to  secure  lasting  benefits. 
Usually,  nothing  is  more  fatal  than  the  success  of 
mere  self-seeking.  While  Madge  pressed  unwaver 
ingly  toward  the  goal  of  her  hopes,  she  did  not  do 
so  in  thoughtless  or  callous  indifference  toward 
those  who  had  true  claims  upon  her.  With  her 
sister  she  soon  saw  that  all  was  well, — that  she  was, 
as  before,  absorbed  and  content  with  the  routine  of 
her  life.  She  was  not  so  sure  about  her  brother-in- 
law.  During  her  absence  lines  of  care  had  appeared 
in  his  face,  and  there  was  an  abstracted  and  some 
times  a  troubled  look  in  his  eyes,  as  if  he  was  pur 
sued  by  questions  that  were  importunate  and  even 
threatening.  The  indications  of  perturbation  were 
slight  indeed,  but  from  his  nature  they  would  be  so 
in  any  case.  Thus  the  young  girl  also  received  an 
impression  which  awakened  a  faint  solicitude.  Mr. 
Muir,  as  her  guardian  and  the  manager  of  her  prop 
erty,  had  been  a  true  friend  and  loyal  to  his  trust. 
She  entertained  for  him  much  respect  and  a  strong, 
quiet  affection.  He  did  not  dwell  in  her  thoughts 
merely  as  one  who  was  useful  to  her,  but  rather  as 
one  who  had  been  true  to  her,  and  to  whom  she  in 
her  place  and  way  would  be  true  and  sympathetic 
were  there  occasion. 

Madge  was  wearied   indeed  by  her  long  journey, 


THE    SECRET   OF  BEAUl'Y.  73 

hut  not  exhausted.  In  sensations  so  different  from 
those  which  had  followed  her  journey  to  the  West 
she  recognized  her  immeasurable  gain.  Then  she 
had  entered  Mrs.  Wayland's  cottage  helpless,  hope 
less,  a  fugitive  from  her  cnvn  weakness.  By  wise 
endeavor  she  had  transformed  that  very  weakness 
into  her  strength,  and  had  returned  to  the  scenes 
from  which  she  had  fled  earnest  and  resolute — one 
who  had  made  her  choice  for  life  and  would  abide 
by  it.  Womanly  to  her  very  finger-tips,  she  was 
acting  with  the  aggressive  decision  of  a  man. 
Sensitive  and  timid  beyond  most  women,  she  would 
not  lose  her  happiness  when  it  might  be  won  in 
paths  not  only  hedged  about  by  all  the  proprieties 
of  her  lot,  but  also  by  a  reserve  and  pride  with 
which  her  own  fine  nature  was  pre-eminently  en 
dowed.  That  she  loved  Gravel  on  Muir  was  a  truth 
for  life.  If  he  could  learn  to  love  her  from  what 
she  had  sought  to  be,  from  what  she  simply  was,  he 
should  have  the  chance.  Her  own  deep  experience 
had  taught  her  much  and  given  her  the  clew  to 
many  things.  She  had  studied  life,  not  only  in 
hooks,  but  in  its  actual  manifestations.  Mrs.  Way- 
land  was  a  social  mine  in  herself,  and  could  recall 
from  the  past,  volumes  of  dispassionate  gossip,  free 
from  malice.  In  two  years  Madge  had  learned  to 
know  the  world  better  than  many  who  are  in  con 
tact  with  it  for  long  periods,  but  who  see  all  through 
the  distorted  medium  of  their  own  prejudices  or 
exceptional  experiences.  Although  she  was  no 
longer  unsophisticated  she  was  neither  cynical  nor 
optimistic.  Hefoiv  her  hope:  could  be  fulfilled  she 


74  A    YOU.VC   CfXL'S   WOOING. 

knew  she  must  enter  society,  and  ske  studied  it 
thoughtfully,- — its  whims  and  meannesses,  as  well  as 
its  laws  and  refinements.  If  she  ever  reached  Gray- 
don's  side  she  meant  to  stand  there  with  a  knowl 
edge  and  confidence  as  assured  as  his  own.  She 
soon  learned  that  it  is  common  enough  for  women 
to  seek  to  win  men  by  every  alluring  and  coquettish 
device.  She  would  employ  no  devices  whatever. 
She  would  merely  reappear  above  his  horizon  among 
other  luminaries,  and  shine  with  her  own  pure,  un- 
borrowed  light.  Then  it  must  depend  upon  himself 
whether  she  ever  became  his  own  "  bright  particular 
star." 

So  much  she  felt  she  had  a  right  to  do,  and  no 
conventional  hesitation  as  to  her  course  stood  in 
her  way.  Her  love  had  become  the  governing  im 
pulse  of  her  life,  and  its  dictates  were  imperative 
until  they  trenched  upon  her  sensitive,  womanly 
pride.  Then  they  were  met  as  the  rock  meets  the 
tide.  She  did  not  care  what  the  world  might  think  ; 
it  should  never  have  occasion  to  think  at  all.  Her 
secret  was  between  herself  and  God.  Graydon  him 
self  should  never  know  it  unless  his  name  became  hers. 

How  vividly  her  old  haunts  recalled  him  !  There 
was  the  lounge  on  which  he  used  to  toss  the  "  little 
wraith"  after  having  carried  her  around  in  the  sem 
blance  of  a  waltz.  The  sofa  on  which  had  taken 
place  their  strange  parting  still  stood  as  of  old  in 
her  room.  There  her  head  had  sunk  in  uncon 
sciousness  upon  his  breast,  the  result  of  her  vain, 
feeble  struggle  to  escape  from  caresses  so  natural  to 
him,  but  no  longer  to  be  received  by  her. 


THE    SECRET   OF  BEAUTY.  75 

What  way-marks  in  life  mute,  commonplace 
things  become  in  the  light  of  memory  !  To  her 
vivid  fancy  Graydon  was  again  present  in  all  the 
positions  now  made  memorable  by  deep  affection. 
The  past  unrolled  itself  again  as  it  had  so  often 
done  before.  She  saw  the  pallid,  frightened  child 
that  scarcely  dared  to  look  deprecatingly  at  the 
handsome  young  collegian.  She  saw  again  the  kind 
yet  mirthful  eyes  that  beamed  encouragingly  upon 
her.  She  remembered  that  in  the  unworthy  past 
they  had  ever  looked  upon  her  with  a  large,  gentle, 
affectionate  tolerance,  and  she  now  took  chiefly 
upon  herself  the  blame  for  those  years  of  weakness. 
Her  present  radiant  health  and  beauty  proved  how 
unnecessary  they  had  been,  and  her  heart  some 
times  sunk  at  the  thought  of  what  they  might  cost 
her. 

Mary  had  accompanied  her  to  her  room,  and  was 
asked,  in  a  careless  tone,  what  had  become  of  Miss 
Wildrnere. 

I  was  told  incidentally  the  other  day  that  she 
was  as  great  a  belle  as  ever.  I  had  hoped  that  she 
would  be  out  of  Grayclon's  way  before  this  time.  I 
have  heard,  however,  that  great  belles  are  often 
slower  in  marrying  than  the  homeliest  girls.  If  all 
is  true  that  is  said,  this  Miss  Wildmere  has  made 
mischief  enough  ;  but  I  am  not  anxious  that  our 
Graydon  should  cut  short  her  career — that  is,  if  mar 
riage  would  cut  it  short.  I  imagine  she  will  ahvays 
be  a  gay  society  woman.  Well,  Madge,  I  suppose 
you  must  make  up  your  mind  to  be  a  belle  yourself. 
Why  don't  you  cut  out  this  '  speculator,'  as  my 


76  A  YOU  KG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

husband   calls   her?     If    Graydon   had    my   eyes    it 
wouldn't  be  a  difficult  task." 

"  Graydon  hasn't  your  eyes  or  mine  either,"  was 
the  brusque  reply.  "  I  propose  to  use  my  own. 
They  may  see  some  one  that  I  have  never  met. 
One  thing  at  least  is  certain, — I  don't  intend  to  cut 
out  Miss  Wildmcre  or  any  one  else.  The  man  who 
wins  me  will  have  to  do  the  seeking  most  emphati 
cally  ;  and  I  warn  you  beforehand,  sister  mine,  that 
you  must  never  let  the  idea  of  matchmaking  enter 
your  head.  Since  I  have  been  away  I  have  de 
veloped  more  will  of  my  own  than  muscle.  There 
is  no  necessity  for  me  ever  to  marry,  and  if  I  do  it 
will  be  because  I  wish  to,  not  because  any  one  else 
wants  me  to.  Nothing  would  set  me  against  a  man 
more  certainly  than  to  sec  that  he  had  allies  who 
were  manoeuvring  in  his  behalf  ;"  and  she  con 
cluded  with  a  kiss  that  robbed  her  words  of  a  point 
too  sharp,  perhaps,  for  her  sister's  feelings.  She 
knew  Mrs.  Muir's  peculiarities  well  enough,  how 
ever,  to  believe  that  such  words  were  needed,  and 
she  had  intended  to  speak  them  in  some  form  at 
the  earliest  opportunity.  Therefore  she  was  glad 
that  she  could  utter  the  warning  so  early  and  natu 
rally  in  their  new  relations.  Nor  was  it  uncalled 
for,  since  the  thought  of  bringing  Madge  and  Gray 
don  together  had  already  entered  Mrs.  Muir's  mind. 
A  scheme  of  this  character  would  grow  in  fascination 
every  hour.  Poor  Madge  was  well  aware  that,  with 
the  best  intentions,  no  one  could  more  certainly 
blast  her  hopes  than  her  sister,  whose  efforts  would 
be  unaccompanied  by  the  nicest  tact.  Moreover, 


THE    SECRET   OF  BEAUTY.  77 

any  such  attempts  might  involve  the  disclosure  of 
her  secret. 

'  Well,  you  have  changed  in  every  respect,"  said 
Mary,  looking  at  her  wondcringly. 

"  For  the  better,  I  hope.  My  feeling  in  this 
respect,  however,  seems  to  me  perfectly  natural.  I 
don't  see  how  a  self-respecting  girl  could  endure 
anything  except  a  straightforward,  downright  suit, 
with  plenty  of  time  to  make  up  her  own  mind.  1 
can  do  without  the  man  who  does  not  think  me 
worthy  of  this,  and  could  probably  do  without  him 
any  way.  Because  a  man  wants  to  marry  a  girl  is 
only  one  reason  for  assent,  and  there  may  be  a 
doy.cn  reasons  to  the  contrary." 

'  Why,  Madge,  how  you  talk  !  When  you  left 
us  it  seemed  as  if  any  one  might  pick  you  up  and 
marry  you  and  you  would  not  have  spirit  enough  to 
say  yes  or  no.  Have  you  had  to  refuse  any  one  at 
Santa  Barbara  ?  Perhaps  you  didn't  refuse.  You 
have  told  me  so  little  of  what  was  going  on  !" 

That  isn't  fair  to  me,  Mary.  I  explained  to 
you  that  I  wished  to  give  you  a  pleasant  surprise. 
To  plan  a  pleasure  for  you  was  not  unsisterly,  was 
it?  I  haven't  Miss  Wildmere's  ambition  for  mis 
cellaneous  conquests.  Why  should  I  write  about 
men  for  whom  I  cared  nothing  and  toward  whom 
my  manner  should  have  made  my  spoken  negative 
unnecessary  ?" 

Other  girls  would.  Well,  it  seems  that  their 
suit  was  downright  enough  to  satisfy  you.  Good 
gracious  !  How  many  were  there  ?" 

Madge   lautrhed.  yawned,  and   her  sister  saw  that 


7  8  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

her  dark   eyes    were    full   of   the    languor   of   sleep, 
which  added  to  their  beauty. 

"Oh,  not  many,"  she  drawled.  'I'll  gossip 
about  them  some  time  when  not  so  tired.  I'll  indi 
cate  them  by  numerals.  Why  should  I  babble 
their  names,  in  connection  with  what  they  called  so 
sacred  ?  I  wonder  how  many  like  sacred  affairs  had 
occurred  before.  If  I  tell  you  the  story  of  the 
wooing  of  Number  One,  Two,  Three,  and  so  on, 
that  will  answer  just  as  well,  won't  it  ?" 

"  No  indeed.  I  wish  to  know  their  names,  family 
connection,  and  whether  they  were  well  off  or  not." 

Madge  again  laughed,  and  began  to  disrobe,  in 
order  to  indicate  that  their  confidences  must  at 
least  be  adjourned  for  the  present.  Her  sister  came 
and  felt  her  perfect  arms  and  rounded,  gleaming 
shoulders.  '  Why,  Madge,"  she  exclaimed,  "  your 
flesh  is  as  white  and  smooth  as  ivory,  and  almost  as 
firm  to  the  touch  !  It's  a  wonderful  transformation. 
I  can  scarcely  believe,  much  less  understand  it. 
You  have  grown  so  beautiful  that  you  almost  turn 
even  my  head." 

'  There  is  nothing  so  wonderful  about  it,  Mary. 
Almost  any  girl  may  win  health,  and  therefore  more 
or  less  beauty,  if  she  has  the  sense  and  will  to  make 
the  effort.  You  know  what  I  was  when  I  left  home. 
I  suggested  doctors'  bills  more  than  anything  else, 
and  it  was  chiefly  my  fault  ;"  and  she  sighed 
deeply.  '  When  I  went  to  work  in  a  rational  way 
to  get  strong,  I  succeeded.  I  believe  this  would  be 
true  with  the  great  majority.  Good-night,  dear. 
When  I  am  rested  I'm  going  to  help  you  in  many 


79 

ways,  in  return  for  all  you  did  for  that  lazy,  lack 
adaisical,  limp  little  nonentity  that  you  used  to 
dose  and  coddle  when  you  should  have  given  her  a 
good  shaking." 

'  It's  all  a  miracle,"  said  Mrs.  Muir  to  her  hus 
band,  at  the  conclusion  of  lengthy  remarks  about 
Madge. 

"As  much  a  miracle  as  my  fortune,"  \vas  the 
quiet  reply.  "  Madge  has  had  sense  enough  to 
know  what  she  wanted  and  how  to  get  it.' 


CHAPTER    VII. 

NOT    A     MIRACLE. 

MADGE  was  simply  fatigued  from  her  lorn; 
journey,  and  not  oppressed  with  want  of 
sleep,  for  in  passing  through  uninteresting  portions 
of  the  country  she  had  given  herself  up  to  repose. 
The  sense  of  weariness  passed  with  the  hours  of 
night,  and  she  was  among  the  earliest  stirring  in  the 
morning.  Long  before  breakfast  was  ready  she  had 
her  trunks  partially  unpacked,  her  mind  meantime 
busy  with  plans  for  immediate  action.  At  last  her 
healthful  appetite  so  asserted  itself  that  she  went 
down  to  the  dining-room.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muir 
had  not  yet  appeared,  and  she  strolled  into  the 
parlor,  opened  her  piano,  and  played  a  few  runs. 
She  found  it  sadly  out  of  tune  from  long  disuse. 
As  this  was  not  true  of  her  voice,  she  began  singing 
a  favorite  German  song. 

In  a  moment  the  house  was  full  of  melody. 
Clear,  sweet,  and  powerful,  her  notes  penetrated  to 
the  kitchen,  where  the  maids  were  busy,  and  they 
stopped  in  spellbound  wonder,  with  dish  or  utensil 
in  hand.  Mrs.  Muir  listened  with  her  hair-brush 
suspended,  while  methodical  Mr.  Muir  laid  down 


NOT  A    MIRACLE.  81 

his  razor,  and,  going  to  the  door,  set  it  ajar.  The 
song  poured  into  the  room  like  an  harmonic  flood. 
Before  the  first  stanza  was  completed  Mrs.  Muir  had 
on  her  dressing-gown  and  was  stealing  down-stairs 
into  the  back  parlor,  and  as  Madge  \vas  beginning 
again  she  rushed  upon  her. 

"  Why,  why,"  she  exclaimed,  "  I  thought  Nilsson 
or  Patti  had  got  lost  and  taken  refuge  here  !  Can 
it  be  you  ?  You  are  nothing  but  a  surprise  from 
beginning  to  end.  When  will  the  wonders  cease  ? 
Are  you  sure  that  you  are  Madge  ?" 

Yes,  and  equally  sure  that  I  am  hungry.  When 
ii.'1/l  you  be  ready  for  breakfast  ?  I've  been  up  these 
two  hours. " 

'Well,  well,  well,  what   will  Graydon  say  ?     lie 
thinks  you  are  still  little  better  than  a  ghost." 

lie  will  say  that  I  have  been  very  sensible,  and 
he  will  find  me  very  substantial  and  matter-of-fact. 
The  question  now  uppermost  is,  When  will  break 
fast  be  ready?"  cried  the  young  girl,  laughing,  in  a 
childlike  enjoyment  of  her  sister's  wonder,  and  a 
loving  woman's  anticipation  of  triumph  over^the 
man  who  had  once  called  her  "  \veak  and  lackadai 
sical. 

She  responded  warmly  to  the  embrace  of  Mrs. 
Muir,  who  added,  "  You  have  come  back  to  us  a 
princess.  Why,  even  Henry,  whom  nothing  moves 
out  of  the  even  tenor  of  his  way,  paused  in  his 
shaving,  and  with  one  side  of  his  face  all  lathered 
opened  the  door  to  listen." 

'You    tell   him,"    cried    Madge,    in    merry   vein, 

that  he  has   given    me   the  greatest  compliment  I 


82  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

ever    received.      But    compliments    are    not    break 
fast." 

Mrs.  Muir  returned  to  complete  her  toilet,  and 
her  husband  soon  appeared. 

"Madge,"  he  said,  greeting  her  kindly,  "you 
have  brought  about  great  changes.  I  Tow  have  you 
accomplished  them  all  in  so  brief  a  time  ?" 

'  The  time  has  not  been  so  very  brief,"  she  re 
plied.  "  I  have  been  away  over  two  years,  remem 
ber.  It's  all  very  simple,  Henry.  I  went  to  work 
to  get  well  and  to  learn  something,  as  you  give  your 
mind  and  time  to  business.  In  the  \Vaylands,  my 
old  German  professor,  and  especially  in  the  magnifi 
cent  climate  I  had  splendid  allies.  And  you  know 
I  had  nothing  else  to  do.  One  can  do  a  great  deal 
in  two  years  with  sufficient  motive  and  steady 
effort  toward  a  few  points." 

What  was  your  motive,  Madge  ?" 

A  slow,  deep   color  stole   into  her  face,   but  she 
looked    unflinchingly    into    his    eyes   as   she   asked, 
'  Was   not   the   hope   of   being  what   I   am  to-day, 
compared  with  what  I  was,  sufficient  motive?" 

"Yes,"  he  replied,  thoughtfully,  "it  was;  but 
it  appears  strange  to  me  that  more  girls  do  not 
show  your  sense.  Nine  tenths  of  the  pallid  creat 
ures  that  I  see  continue  half  alive  through  their 
own  fault." 

If  they  knew  the  pleasure  of  being  thoroughly 
alive,"  said  Madge,  "  they  wouldn't  dawdle  an 
other  hour.  I  believe  that  I  might  have  regained 
health  long  before  if  I  had  set  about  it." 

;<  Well,  Madge,  as  your  guardian   I   wish   to  tell 


NOT   A    MIRACLE.  83 

you  that  I  am  deeply  gratified.  You  have  done 
more  for  yourself  than  all  the  world  could  do  for 
you.  I  am  a  plain  man,  you  know,  and  not  given 
to  many  words.  There  is  only  one  thing  that  I  de 
test  more  than  a  silly  woman,  and  that  is  a  heart 
less,  speculating  one.  Both  are  sure  to  make  trouble 
sooner  or  later.  You  certainly  do  not  belong  to 
the  first  type,  and  I  don't  believe  you  will  ever 
make  a  bad  use  of  the  beauty  you  have  won  so 
honestly.  Let  me  give  you  a  bit  of  business  expe 
rience,  Madge.  I  have  seen  men  falter  and  fail  by 
the  score  down-town,  and  usually  it  was  because 
women  were  playing  the  mischief  with  them, — too 
often  women  of  their  own  households,  who  had  no 
more  idea  of  the  worth  of  a  dollar,  or  how  it  is  ob 
tained,  than  a  kitten.  The  one  idea  is  to  marry  for 
money,  and  then  to  spend  it  in  parade.  I  believe 
you  will  be  like  your  sister  Mary,  who  has  given  me 
a  home,  quiet,  and  peace."  ("If  I  ever  give  a 
man  anything  I'll  give  him  a  great  deal  more  than 

J  O  O  O 

that,"  Madge  thought.)  "And  now,"  concluded 
Mr.  Muir,  "  speaking  of  money,  I  wish  to  go  over 
your  accounts  with  you  soon,  that  you  may  know 
everything  and  understand  everything.  It's  ab 
surd  for  women  to  be  helpless  and  dependent  in 
this  respect.  You  should  know  all  about  your 
property,  and  the  time  has  come  when  you  should 
learn  what  are  regarded  as  safe  investments,  and 
what  are  not.  My  life  is  as  uncertain  as  any  other 
man's,  and  I  intend  that  you  sisters  shall  not  be 
like  two  children,  who  must  do  blindly  what  some 
trustee  tells  you  to  do  ;"  and  Mr,  Muir  complex- 


84 

ccntly  led  the  way  to  the  breakfast-room,  feeling 
that  as  guardian  lie  had  done  his  duty  both  morally 
and  financially. 

It  was  his  way  to  speak  plainly  and  promptly  all 
he  desired  to  say,  and  then,  according  to  his  creed, 
if  people  had  sense  they  would  do  what  was  wise  ; 
if  they  had  not,  the  less  said  the  better. 

Mrs.  Muir  was  voluble  during  the  morning  meal. 
Now  that  Madge  had  come  again  within  the  sphere 
of  her  domestic  energy,  she  was  full  of  plans  and 
projects. 

"Of  course,"  she  said,  "you  have  nothing  to 
wear.  The  outlandish  dresses  that  you  had  made 
at  that  jumping-off  place  in  the  \Ycst  won't  answer. 
As  soon  as  the  \Yaylands  have  made  their  call  we 
must  go  out  and  begin  ordering  your  summer  outfit. 
Perhaps  Mrs.  Wayland  will  go  with  us." 

Patience,  Mary.  We  are  not  ready  to  order 
outfits  yet. 

"  Why  not  ?" 

Because  we  do  not  want  to  buy  what  interested 
shopmen  and  milliners  may  choose  to  palm  off  on 
us.  You  live  such  a  domestic  life  that  you  are 
scarcely  better  informed  than  I  as  to  the  latest 
modes.  We  will  drive  in  the  park,  use  our  eyes  on 
the  avenue,  and  visit  several  fashionable  establish 
ments  first.  Then  I  wish  to  find  a  dressmaker  who 
is  not  an  idiotic  slave  of  fashion,  and  who  can 
modify  the  prevailing  styles  by  taste  and  apprecia 
tion  of  the  person  for  whom  she  works.  The  one 
whom  I  employ  must  make  dresses  for  me  and 
under  my  direction,  and  not  dresses  in  the  abstract, 


A'or  A  MIRACLE.  $5 

as  if  they  were   for  the   iron-framed    form   on  which 
she  exhibits  her  wares." 

Good  !"  cried  Mr.  Muir  ;  '  Madge's  head  is 
level.  Let  her  have  her  own  way,  Mary,  and  she 
will  come  out  all  right." 

\Yell,"  said  Mrs.  Muir,  "  I  suppose  it  will  take 
a  little  time  for  me  to  get  used  to  all  these  changes, 
before  she  went  away  I  used  to  do  everything  for 
her.  I'm  going  to  have  my  own  way  in  one  thing, 
however.  You  must  not  write  to  Graydon  a  word 
beyond  the  fact  that  Madge  is  here.  You  have 
both  laughed  at  me  and  my  wonder,  and  I'm  going 
to  have  the  compensation  of  seeing  him  trans 
formed  into  exclamation  points." 

Madge  now  turned  toward  Mr.  Muir,  and  he 
could  detect  not  the  slightest  indication  of  embar 
rassment  or  over- consciousness,  as  she  said,  "  Cer 
tainly,  Henry,  you  must  not  spoil  this  little  bit  of 
prospective  fun. " 

Madge  did  have  her  own  way,  and  made  her 
preparations  with  the  quiet  decision  and  thought- 
fulness  which  now  characterized  her  actions. 

The  Waylands  were  frequent  guests  at  Mr.  Muir's 
home  for  a  time,  and  then  departed  to  visit  friends 
in  the  country. 

Madge  and  her  sister  soon  decided  upon  the 
Catskills  as  the  place  of  their  summer  sojourn.  The 
choice  of  this  region,  so  accessible  from  the  city, 
was  pleasing  to  Mr.  Muir. 

What  are  you  reading?"  he  said,  one  evening, 
as  he  found  Madge  surrounded  by  books  and  pam 
phlets. 


86  A 

Reading  up  on  the  Catskills  and  their  vicinity. 
A  place  is  far  more  interesting"  if  you  have  associa 
tions  with  it,  and  I  intend  to  be  versed  in  all  the 
stories  and  legends  of  the  region.  In  this  I  have  a 
little  design  upon  you  also.  You  look  worn, 
Henry,  and  need  rest  and  change.  You  are  too  much 
devoted  to  business.  I'm  going  to  '  frivel,'  like  the 
rest  of  the  girls,  in  the  evening, — dance,  and  all 
that,  you  know,  but  I  shall  try  to  keep  you  amon^ 
the  hills,  and  inveigle  you  into  long  drives  and 
walks  by  telling  you  exciting  yarns  that  will  take 
the  place  of  the  dissipations  of  business.  You 
needn't  think  you  will  have  to  mope  around  the 
piay./a,  your  body  on  a  mountain  and  your  mind  in 
Wall  Street.  You  are  getting  old  and  rich,  and 
you  must  begin  to  take  an  interest  in  other  things 
besides  business." 

"  Now,  that's  thoughtful  and  kind  of  you,"  he 
said,  and  then  he  lapsed  into  a  revery  that  the  con 
traction  of  his  brow  showed  to  be  not  altogether 
agreeable. 

At  last  he  said,  "  Madge,  I  half  believe  you  are 
right.  I  am  and  have  been  too  devoted  to  busi 
ness.  It's  all  very  well  as  long  as  you  can  drive  it, 
but  when  it  begins  to  drive  you  it  is  a  hard  task 
master.  The  times  are  bad.  Instead  of  making 
anything,  one  has  to  use  all  his  faculties  to  keep 
from  losing  what  he  has  made.  It's  getting  to 
be  a  grind.  I  sometimes  wish  I  was  out  of  it, 
but  suppose  I  shouldn't  know  what  to  do  with  my 
self." 

'That's    just    it,    Henry,    you     wouldn't.      You 


ATOT  A    MIRACLE.  ,Sy 

must  become   interested   in   other  things,  and  that's 
a  process  which  requires  time,  and  I'll  help  you." 

"  Oh,  you,"  he  said,  laughing,— "  you  will  soon 
have  all  you  can  do  to  keep  your  beaus  at  bay." 

'  Beaus  in  this  free  and  enlightened  land  have 
only  certain  rights  which  a  girl  is  bound  to  respect. 
Should  there  be  any,  and  they  unreasonable,  you'll 
see,"  she  said,  with  a  little  decisive  nod.  Then  she- 
added,  gravely  :  "I  don't  believe  you  would  be 
content  out  of  business,  but  I  should  think  there 
was  such  a  thing  as  trying  to  do  so  much  business 
that  it  would  become  a  burden,  and,  perhaps,  a 
heavy  one.  You  may  think  I'm  a  little  goose,  talk 
ing  of  what  I  know  nothing  about  ;  but  I've  read  a 
great  deal,  and,  of  late,  books  worth  reading.  I 
don't  believe  it  is  a  good  thing  to  change  one's 
habits  and  pursuits  suddenly  ;  and  what's  more, 
Henry,  I  believe  that  when  the  times  are  better 
business  will  be  as  great  a  source  of  satisfaction  to 
you  as  ever.  As  I  suggested  before,  you  must 
gradually  become  interested  in  other  things  which 
can  take  the  place  of  business  as  you  grow  old." 

What  a  wise  little  woman  we  have  become  !" 
said  Mr.  Muir.  '  Here  you  are  giving  your  guar 
dian  sound  advice,-  you  who,  I  imagined  once, 
would  take  no  more  thought  for  the  morrow  than  a 
lily  of  the  field,  and  a  very  pale  one  at  that.  This 
is  a  greater  change  than  any  that  Mary  exclaims 
about. " 

Perhaps  you  think  me  very  presuming,"  an 
swered  Madge,  coloring. 

No,  I  do  not.      I  think  you  very  sensible,  and  I 


A    YOUNG    C/A'f.'S   U'OOI.VC. 

think  myself  very  fortunate  in  having  such  women 
in  my  household  as  you  and  Mary.  I  was  blue 
when  I  came  home  to-night,  but  it  inspirits  a  man 
to  talk  to  such  a  girl.  You  have  a  power  of  good 
common-sense,  Madge. 

'  Well,  I  have — I  had — need  of  it." 

The  majority  would  say  you  could  afford  to  be 
silly.  You  have  a  snug  fortune  of  your  own,  of 
which  not  a  penny  can  be  lost  unless  the  bottom 
falls  out  of  everything." 

I  don't  think  any  woman  can  afford  to  be  silly. 
I  know  that's  a  sweeping  word  with  you,  and  covers 
all  feminine  folly.  What  I  meant  is  this  :  Money 
and  every  good  thing  in  life  was  a  mockery.  I 
couldn't  enjoy  anything,  and  wasn't  anything  but  a 
burden.  I  saw  it  all,  and  that  I  should  have  to 
throw  nonsense  overboard  if  I  wished  to  be  differ 
ent.  You  will  find  that  I  have  plenty  left,  how 
ever,  before  the  summer's  over.  Now,  let  me  read 
to  you  Irving's  legend  of  poor  old  Rip.  What  if 
you  have  read  it  often  ?  A  little  infusion  of  the 
champion  sleeper's  spirit  is  just  what  you  need  ;" 
and  with  simple  purity  of  tone  and  naturalness  of 
accent  she  made  the  old  story  ne\v  to  him. 

Madge,"  he  said,  as  he  kissed  her  good-night, 
"  that  is  even  better  than  vour  singing.  I  feel  so 

J  o         o 

freshened  and  heartened  up  that  I'm  another  man, 
and  in  good  trim  for  the  fight  to-morrow  ;  for  that 
is  just  what  business  has  become, — a  regular  defen 
sive  fight.  You  didn't  think  two  years  ago  that  you 
would  send  me  down  to  Wall  Street  with  a  clearer 
head  and  better  courage." 


NOT  A    MIRACLE.  89 

"  No  indeed,  I  didn't  dream  of  it,  and  I  can 
scarcely  believe  it's  true  now.  You  used  to  seem 
to  me  like  gravitation,  that  would  always  be  the 
same  to  the  end  of  time." 

"  Bah  !  A  man  is  only  a  man,  and  he  finds  it  out 
sooner  or  later.  There's  Jack  crying  again,  and 
Mary  hasn't  had  a  chance  to  come  down.  I'll  take 
the  child,  for  his  teeth  make  him  so  nervous  that  he 
won't  stay  with  the  nurse." 

"  I'll  try  my  hand  at  him  to-morrow,"  said  the 
young  girl,  and  was  absorbed  in  her  reading  again. 

The  days  passed  quickly,  and  Madge  filled  them 
full,  as  before  at  Santa  Barbara.  As  the  time  ap 
proached  for  Gray  don's  return,  she  felt  a  quiet  rising 
excitement  akin  to  that  which  inspires  a  soldier 
when  a  campaign  is  about  to  open  ;  but  to  her 
brother-in-law  and  sister  she  gave  only  the  impres 
sion  of  decision  of  character  and  youthful,  health 
ful  buoyancy.  She  was  good-cheer  itself  in  the 
household,  and  helpful  in  every  little  domestic 
emergency.  The  servants  and  the  children  wel 
comed  her  like  sunshine,  and  she  made  the  evenings 
all  too  short  by  music  and  reading  aloud.  She 
blossomed  out  in  her  summer  costumes  like  a 
flower,  so  becoming  to  her  style  had  been  her 
choice  of  fabrics  and  the  taste  with  which  they  had 
:>een  fashioned.  June  was  passing.  In  a  day  or 
two  more  Graydon  would  arrive,  and  the  fruition  or 
i allure  of  her  patient  endeavor  begin. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

RIVAL    CIRI,S. 

INSTEAD  of  Gray  do  n  there  came  a  letter  saying 
that  he  would  be  detained  abroad  another  week. 
The  heat  was  oppressive,  and  the  family  physician 
said  that  little  Jack  should  be  taken  to  the  country 
at  once.  Therefore  they  packed  in  haste,  and  start 
ed  for  a  hotel  in  the  Catskills  at  which  rooms  had 
been  engaged.  Graydon  was  to  join  them  there  as 
soon  after  his  return  as  possible. 

Madge  looked  wistfully  at  the  mountains,  as  with 
shadowy  grandeur  they  loomed  in  the  distance. 
There  is  ever  a  solemnity  about  mountain  scenery, 
and  she  felt  it  as  she  passed  under  the  lofty  brows 
of  wooded  heights.  To  her  spirit  it  was  grateful 
and  appropriate,  for,  while  she  would  lead  among 
them  apparently  the  existence  of  a  young  girl  bent 
only  on  enjoyment,  she  believed  she  -would  leave 
them,  either  a  happy  woman,  or  else  facing  the 
tragedy  of  a  thwarted  life.  Their  deepest  shadows 
might,  even  when  her  laugh  was  gayest,  typify  the 
despondency  she  would  hide  from  all. 

It  was  Saturday,  and  Mr.  Muir  accompanied  his 
family.  He  and  his  wife  looked  worn  and  weary, 
for  at  this  time  circumstances  were  bringing  an  ex- 


RIVAL    GIRLS.  91 

cess  of  care  to  both.  Mrs.  Muir  was  a  devoted 
mother,  and  little  Jack  had  taxed  her  patience  and 
strength  to  the  utmost.  A  defensive  warfare  is  ever 
the  severest  test  of  manhood,  and  Mr.  Muir  had 
found  the  past  week  a  trying  one.  He  had  been 
lured  into  an  enterprise  that  at  the  time  had  seemed 
certain  of  success,  even  to  his  conservative  mind, 
but  unforeseen  elements  had  entered  into  the  prob 
lem,  and  it  now  required  all  his  nerve,  all  his  re 
sources,  to  meet  the  strain.  Neither  Madge  nor 
his  wife  knew  anything  of  this.  Indeed,  it  was  not 
his  habit  to  speak'  of  his  affairs  to  any  one,  unless 
the  exigencies  of  the  case  required  explanation.  In 
this  emergency  he  was  obliged  to  maintain  among 
his  associates  an  air  of  absolute  confidence.  Now 
that  he  was  out  of  the  arena  he  gave  evidence  of  the 
strain. 

Madge  saw  this,  and  resolved  that  her  large  re 
serve  of  vitality  should  be  drawn  upon.  The  tired 
mother  should  be  relieved  and  the  perplexed  and 
wearied  man  beguiled  into  forgetfulness  of  the 
sources  of  anxiety.  Jack"  would  have  indulged  in  a 
perpetual  howl  during  the  journey  had  not  his  at 
tention  been  diverted  by  Madge's  unexpected  ex 
pedients,  which  often  suspended  an  outcry  with 
comical  abruptness,  while  her  remark's  and  questions 
made  it  impossible  for  Mr.  Muir  to  toil  on  mentally 
in  Wall  Street.  By  reason  of  the  heat  the  majority 
of  the  passengers  do/.ed  or  fretted.  She  heroically 
kept  up  the  spirits  of  her  little  band,  oblivious  of 
the  admiring  eyes  that  often  turned  toward  her 
flushed,  animated  face. 


94  --1    YOUNG    GIRL'S   U'OOIXG. 

to  enjoy  it  ;  they  found  the  piazza  deliciously  cool 
after  the  long  hot  day  ;  and  the  faint  initial  pipings 
of  autumn  insects  only  emphasized  the  peace  and 
quiet  of  the  evening.  The  mountains  brooded 
around  them  like  great  shadows,  their  outlines  gem- 

o  o 

med  with  stars,  and  the  very  genius  of  repose  seem 
ed  to  settle  down  upon  the  weary  man  and  woman 
who  were  in  the  thick  of  their  life's  battle. 

They  were  among  the  earliest  arrivals  at  the 
house,  and  had  a  wide  space  to  themselves.  In 
deed,  they  could  have  been  scarcely  more  secluded 
at  their  own  summer  residence.  For  those  seeking 
rest,  an  early  flight  to  summer  resorts  brings  a  rich 
reward. 

While  her  relatives  dozed  or  merely  revived  suffi 
ciently  from  time  to  time  to  make  some  desultory 
remark,  Madge  thought  deeply.  At  first  she  had 
been  disappointed  at  the  postponement  of  Gray- 
clon's  return,  but  she  grew  reconciled  as  she  dwelt 
upon  it.  While  hope  was  deferred,  she  enjoyed  a 
longer  lease  of  anticipation.  When  he  did  come 
she  might  soon  learn  that  all  hope  was  vain.  Be 
sides,  the  delay  gave  her  time  to  familiarize  herself 
with  the  region  and  its  most  beautiful  walks  and 
drives.  The  mountains,  woods,  and  rocks  should 
all  be  pressed  into  her  service.  They  would  not 
reveal  her  secret,  and  they  might  engender  thoughts 
and  words  with  which  Miss  Wildmere  would  be  out 
of  harmony. 

"I've  been  thinking,"  Mr.  Muir  at  last  re 
marked. 

"  Nonsense  !  you've  been  asleep,"  Madge  replied. 


RIl'AT.    GIRLS.  95 

'•  No  ;    I've  thought  profoundly." 
"Not   even    a  penny  for  ;my   thoughts   of  yours 
since  supper. 

They    would    be    worth    fortunes,    life,    health, 
happiness,  to  half  the  world." 

Then    keep    still    till    you    have    a   patent,  copy 
right,  or  something,"  said  his  wife. 

No.  I  rise  simply  to  remark — also  to  retire 
that  a  little  oil  keeps  machinery  from  wearing  out 
and  going  to  pieces.  Come  no\v,  old  lady"  (pull 
ing  his  wife  to  her  feet),  "you  are  the  better  to 
night,  as  1  am,  for  the  oil  that  Madge  has  slipped 
in  here  and  there.  1  fear  the  machinery  to-day 
would  have  run  badly  without  it." 

The  group  that  gathered  at  the  breakfast-table 
next  morning  bore  carl}'  testimony  to  the  tonic  of 
the  hills.  Jack  only  was  not  so  well,  and  Mrs.  Muir 
remained  with  him,  while  Madge  and  Mr.  Muir 
wended  their  way  to  a  little  chapel  whose  spire  was 
the  only  summons  to  worship.  A  short,  genial, 
middle-aged  man  met  them  at  the  door,  with  such 
hospitable  cordiality  as  to  suggest  that  he  was  re 
ceiving  friends  at  his  own  home,  and  conducted 
them  to  seats.  A  venerable  clergyman  sat  in  the 
pulpit  with  a  face  full  of  quiet  benignity.  Kvery 
one  who  came  appeared  to  receive  an  almost  per 
sonal  welcome  ;  and  Madge  and  Mr.  Muir  looked 
enviously  at  the  self-appointed  usher.  It  was  as 
evident  that  he  was  not  a  professional  sexton  as 
that  the  little  congregation  could  not  afford  such  a 
luxury.  No  care  clouded  his  brow.  Evidently  his 
future:  did  not  depend  on  fluctuations  in  the  mael- 


98 

ladies  who  could  dance  miles,  but  were  as  afraid  of 
a  mountain  as  of  a  bear. " 

At   the   dinner-table   Mrs.  Muir  said,  laughingly, 

'  In    Dr.    Sommers,    Madge    has    found    a    kindred 

spirit, — another    oiler    of    machinery.      If    between 

him  and  Madge  things  don't  go  smoothly,  the  fates 

are  indeed  against  us." 

When  life  does  go  smoothly,  it  is  because  of 
just  such  good,  cheer)'  common-sense,"  Mr.  Muir 
remarked,  sentcntiously.  'I'm  in  the  financial 
centre  of  this  part  of  the  world,  and  schemes  in 
volving  millions  and  the  welfare  of  States-— indeed  of 
whole  sections  of  the  country—  are  daily  brought  to 
my  consideration,  and  I  tell  you  again  men  are 
often  in  no  condition  to  act  wisely  or  well  because 
the  wear  and  tear  of  their  life  is  greater  after  busi 
ness  hours  than  during  them.  Business  maniac  as 
Madge  thinks  me  to  be,  little  Jack  is  of  more  con 
sequence  than  a  transcontinental  railway.  I  must 
face  the  music — the  discord,  rather — of  Wall  Street 
to-morrow.  There  is  no  use  in  protesting  or  coax 
ing  ;  I  must  be  there  ;  but  it's  a  great  thing  to  be 
able  to  return  with  my  nerves  soothed,  rested,  and 
quieted.  Heaven  help  the  men  who,  after  the 
strain  of  the  clay,  must  go  home  to  be  pricked  half 
to  death  with  pin-and-needle-like  worries,  if  not 
worse. " 

Please  imagine  Madge  and  myself  making  a 
profound  courtesy  for  the  implied  compliment," 
said  Mrs.  Muir.  '  J>ut  can  you  not  spend  part  of 
the  week  with  us  .'' ' 

Xo.      Graydon   will   sooiv  be   here,  and  there  is 


RIVAL    CIRI.S.  99 

much  to  be  seen  to.  He  writes  that  he  has  worked 
very  hard  to  get  things  in  shape  so  that  he  can  leave 
them,  and  that  he  wishes  to  take  a  vacation.  As 
far  as  possible  I  shall  gratify  him.  lie  can  be  with 
you  here,  and  come  to  town  occasionally  as  1  need 
him.  It's  all  turning  out  very  well,  and  I  am  better 
off  than  many  in  these  troublous  times." 

The  remainder  of  his  stay  passed  quietly  in  abso 
lute  rest,  and  on  the  following  morning  he  was  evi 
dently  strengthened  for  the  renewal  of  the  struggle. 

"  Stella  !" 

Miss  Wildmere  remained   absorbed  in  her  novel. 

"  Stella  !"  repeated  Mr.  \Yildmere,  impatiently. 
'  What  is  it  ?"  she  asked,  fretfully.        '  I'm  in  an 
exciting  scene.      Can't  you  wait  awhile?" 

Oh,  throw  down  your  confounded  novel  !  You 
should  be  giving  your  mind  to  real  life  and  exciting 
scenes  of  your  own.  No,  I  can't  wait  and  don't 
propose  to,  for  I  must  go  out." 

The  words  were  spoken  in  a  small  but  elegant 
house,  furnished  in  an  ultra-fashionable  style.  Mr. 
\\  'i  Id  mere  was  a  stout,  florid  man,  who  looked  as  if 
he  might  be  burning  his  candle  at  both  ends.  His 
daughter  was  dressed  to  receive  summer  evening 
calls  at  her  own  home,  for  she  was  rarely  without 
them.  If  the  door-bell  had  rung  she  would  have- 
dismissed  her  exciting  scene  without  hesitation,  but 
it  was  only  her  father  who  asked  her  attention. 

Very  well,"  she  said,  absently,  turning  down  a 
leaf. 

Her  father  observed    her   listless   air  and  averted 


96  s 

strom  of  commerce,  nor  hncl  he  one  hope  so  pre 
dominant  over  all  others  that  his  life  was  one  of 
masked  suspense,  as  \vas  the  case  \vith  poor  Madge. 
He  was  rather  like  the  rugged,  sun-lighted  moun 
tains  near,  solid,  stable,  simple.  No  matter  what 
happened,  he  would  remain  and  appear  much  the 
same. 

Such  was  the  tenor  of  Madge's  thoughts  as  she 
waited  for  the  opening  of  service.  Fanciful  and 
imaginative  to  a  great  degree,  she  found  a  certain 
mental  enjoyment  in  observing  the  impressions 
made  upon  her  by  strangers. 

The  service  was  brief  and  simple  ;  the  good  old 
clergyman  preached  the  gospel  of  hope,  and  his 
words  calmed  and  strengthened  the  young  girl's 
mind.  She  was  made  to  feel  that  there  is  some 
thing  more  and  better  than  present  happiness, — 
that  there  arc  remedies  for  earthly  ills. 

When  she  returned  to  the  hotel  she  found  that 
Mrs.  Muir  was  worried  about  Jack,  who  was  worse, 
and  that  a  Dr.  Sommers  had  been  sent  for.  She- 
could  not  help  smiling  when,  a  little  later,  the  hos 
pitable  usher  of  the  chapel  came  briskly  in.  She 
eventually  learned  that  the  doctor  provoked  smiles 
wherever  he  went,  as  a  bree/e  raises  ripples  on  the 
surface  of  a  stream.  lie  smiled  himself  when  he- 
met  people,  and  every  one  took  the  contagion.  He 
examined  the  baby,  said  the  case  would  require  a 
little  watching  until  certain  teeth  came  through, 
and  then  that  there  would  be  no  further  trouble. 
lie  spoke  with  the  same  confidence  with  which  he 
would  announce  that  July  was  near. 


RITA  I.    CfKLS.  97 

'You  watch  the  case,  then,"  said  Mr.  Muir,  de 
cisively.  "  I  must  be  in  town.  If  you  can  look 
after  the  child  and  save  my  wife  from  worry,  my 
mind  will  be  easy  as  regards  this  end  of  the  line  at 
least." 

"  All  right,  sir.  We'll  manage  it.  Healthy  boy. 
No  trouble. " 

1  lave   you    lived    long    among    the    mountains, 
doctor?"  Madge  ventured  to  ask. 

'  I  should  think  so.  As  long  as  I  have  lived. 
\\~as  born  and  brought  up  among  'em." 

It    must    be   dreary   here    in    the    winter,"  Mrs. 
M  uir  remarked. 

Not  a  bit  of  it.      It's  never  dreary." 

I  low  far  among  the  hills  does  your  practice  ex 
tend  ?"  Madge  pursued. 

As  far  as  I'll  go,  and  I'm  usually  going." 

Perhaps   you  can  give  us,  then,  some  advice   as 
to  drives  and  walks." 

Oh,  lots,  free   gratis.      1    can   tell  Mr.  Muir  of  a 
trout-stream  or  two,  also. " 

"Doctor,"  said  Madge,  laughing,  "I  am  very 
ill.  I  shall  need  much  advice,  and  prescriptions  of 
all  the  romantic  walks  and  drives  in  the  vicinity." 

"And  like  most  of  the  advice  from  doctors,  it 
won't  be  taken.  A  stroll  on  the  pia/./.a  is  about  all 
that  most  ladies  are  equal  to.  You  look,  however, 
as  if  you  should  not  fear  a  steep  path  or  a  rough 
road. " 

'  You  shall  see,"  cried  Madge. 

Yes,   I  will  see,"  said  the  doctor,  laughing,  and 
bowing    himself    out.    .  "  I've    seen    a    u'reat     manv 


9>S  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   \\~OOIXG. 

ladies  who  could  dance  miles,  but  were  as  afraid  of 
a  mountain  as  of  a  bear. " 

At  the  dinner-table  Mrs.  Muir  said,  laughingly, 
''  In  Dr.  Sommers,  Madge  has  found  a  kindred 
spirit, — another  oiler  of  machinery.  If  between 
him  and  Madge  things  don't  go  smoothly,  the  fates 
are  indeed  against  us." 

When  life  does  go  smoothly,  it  is  because  of 
just  such  good,  cheer)'  common-sense,"  Mr.  Muir 
remarked,  sententiously.  '  I'm  in  the  financial 
centre  of  this  part  of  the  world,  and  schemes  in 
volving  millions  and  the  welfare  of  States  —indeed  of 
whole  sections  of  the  country— arc-  daily  brought  to 
my  consideration,  and  I  tell  you  again  men  are 
often  in  no  condition  to  act  wisely  or  well  because 
the  wear  and  tear  of  their  life  is  greater  after  busi 
ness  hours  than  during  them.  Business  maniac  as 
Madge  thinks  me  to  be,  little  Jack  is  of  more  con 
sequence  than  a  transcontinental  railway.  I  must 
face  the  music — the  discord,  rather — of  Wall  Street 
to-morrow.  There  is  no  use  in  protesting  or  coax 
ing  ;  I  must  be  there  ;  but  it's  a  great  thing  to  be 
able  to  return  with  my  nerves  soothed,  rested,  and 
quieted.  Heaven  help  the  men  who,  after  the 
strain  of  the  clay,  must  go  home  to  be  pricked  half 
to  death  with  pin-and-needle-like  worries,  if  not 
worse. 

Tlease  imagine  Madge  and  myself  making  a 
profound  courtesy  for  the  implied  compliment," 
said  Mrs.  Muir.  "  But  can  you  not  spend  part  of 
the  week  with  us  .-'' ' 

Xo.      Graydon   will   soon   be   here,  and  there  is 


RIVAL    GIRLS.  <)<) 

much  to  be  seen  to.  lie  writes  that  he  has  worked 
very  hard  to  get  things  in  shape  so  that  he  can  leave 
them,  and  that  he  wishes  to  take  a  vacation.  As 
far  as  possible  I  shall  gratify  him.  lie  can  be  with 
you  here,  and  come  to  town  occasionally  as  I  need 
him.  It's  all  turning  out  very  well,  and  I  am  better 
off  than  man\-  in  these  troublous  times." 

The  remainder  of  his  stay  passed  quietly  in  abso 
lute  rest,  and  on  the  following  morning  he  was  evi 
dently  strengthened  for  the  renewal  of  the  struggle. 

"  Stella  !" 

Miss  VVildmere  remained  absorbed  in  her  novel. 

Stella  !"  repeated  Mr.  Wildmere,  impatiently. 

What  is  it?"  she  asked,  fretfully.  '  I'm  in  an 
exciting  scene.  Can't  you  wait  awhile?" 

Oh,  throw  down  your  confounded  novel  !  You 
should  be  giving  your  mind  to  real  life  and  exciting 
scenes  of  your  own.  No,  I  can't  wait  and  don't 
propose  to,  for  I  must  go  out." 

The  words  were  spoken  in  a  small  but  elegant 
house,  furnished  in  an  ultra-fashionable  style.  Mr. 
Wildmere  was  a  stout,  florid  man,  who  looked  as  if 
he  might  be  burning  his  candle  at  both  ends.  His 
daughter  was  dressed  to  receive  summer  evening 
calls  at  her  own  home,  for  she  was  rarely  without 
them.  If  the  door-bell  had  rung  she  would  have- 
dismissed  her  exciting  scene  without  hesitation,  but 
it  was  only  her  father  who  asked  her  attention. 

Very  well,"  she  said,  absently,  turning  down  a 
leaf. 

Her  father   observed    her   listless   air  and  averted 


face  for  a  moment  with  contracted  brow,  then 
quietly  remarked,  "  Graydon  Muir  may  return  at 
any  time  now." 

Her  apathy  disappeared  at  once,  and  a  faint  color 
stole  into  her  face. 

"Haven't  you  had  enough  of  general  attention 
and  flirtation  ?  I  know  that  my  wishes  have  little 
weight  ;  you  have  refused  not  a  few  good  offers  and 
one  on  which  I  had  set  my  heart  ;  but  let  the  past 
go.  The  immediate  future  may  require  careful  and 
decisive  action.  I  speak  in  view  of  your  own  inter- 
c  ts,  and  to  such  considerations  I  know  you  will  not 
be  indifferent.  If  you  were  taking  a  natural  and  in 
telligent  interest  in  my  affairs  you  would  have  some 
comprehension  of  my  difficulties  and  dangers.  The 
next  few  months  will  decide  whether  I  can  keep  up 
or  not.  In  the  mean  time  you  have  your  opportu 
nity.  Graydon  Muir  will  share  in  the  fortunes  of 
his  brother,  who  has  had  the  reputation  of  being- 
very  wealthy  and  eminently  conservative.  I  have 
learned,  however,  that  he  has  invested  largely  in 
one  enterprise  that  now  appears  to  be  very  dubi 
ous, — how  largely  no  one  but  himself  knows.  If 
this  affair  goes  through  all  right  you  couldn't  do 
better  than  develop  Graydon  Muir  into  an  impatient 
suitor  ;  and  you  had  better  keep  him  well  in  hand 
for  a  time,  anyway.  lie  is  a  good  business  man  and 
far  more  to  be  depended  upon  than  rich  young  fel 
lows  who  have  inherited  wealth,  with  no  ability  ex 
cept  in  spending  it.  If  the  Muirs  pass  through 
these  times  they  will  become  one  of  the  strongest  and 
safest  houses  in  the  country.  Remember  that  the 


//"is  to  be  considered.  Mr.  Arnault,  too,  is  a  mem 
ber  of  a  strong,  wealthy  house.  I  would  advise 
you  to  make  your  choice  between  these  two  men 
speedily.  You  are  not  adapted  to  a  life  of  pov 
erty,  and  would  not  enjoy  it.  An  alliance  with 
either  of  these  men  might  also  aid  in  sustaining 
me. 

Miss  Wildmere  listened  attentively,  but  made  no 
comment,  and  her  father  evidently  did  not  require 
any,  for  lie  went  out  immediately.  He  understood 
his  daughter  sufficiently  to  believe  that  she  needed 
no  further  advice.  He  was  right.  The  exciting 
crisis  in  her  novel  was  forgotten,  and  her  fair  face 
took  on  an  expression  that  did  not  enhance  its 
beauty.  Calculation  on  the  theme  uppermost  in 
her  mind  produced  a  revery  in  which  an  artist  would 
not  have  cared  to  paint  her.  It  was  evident  that 
the  time  had  come  when  she  must  dispose  of  her 
self,  and  the  question  was,  how  to  do  it  to  the  best 
advantage. 

To  (iraydon  she  gave  her  preference.  He  was 
remarkably  fine  looking,  and  could  easily  be  a  leader 
in  society  if  he  so  desired,  "  and  certainly  shall 
be,"  she  thought,  if  1  take  his  name."  As  far  as 
her  heart  spoke  in  the  matter  it  declared  for  him, 
also.  Other  men  had  wooed  and  plead,  but  she 
had  ever  mentally  compared  them  with  ( iraydon, 
and  they  had  appeared  insignificant.  She  had  felt 
sure  for  a  long  time  that  he  would  eventually  be  at 
her  feet,  and  she  had  never  decided  to  refuse  him. 
Now  she  was  read}'  to  accept  but  for  this  omi 
nous  "  if,"  which  her  father  had  emphasized.  She 


102  A    YOU.YG    GIRL' S   WOOING, 

could  not  think  of  marrying  him  should  he  become 
a  poor  man. 

She  neither  liked  nor  disliked  Mr.  Arnault.  He 
was  a  man  of  the  world,  reported  wealthy,  estab 
lished  in  a  large  but  not  very  conservative  business, 
lie  had  the  name  of  being  a  little  fast  and  specula 
tive,  but  she  was  accustomed  to  that  style  of  man. 
lie  was  an  open  suitor  who  would  take  no  rebuff, 
and  had  laughingly  told  her  so.  After  his  refusal, 
instead  of  going  away  in  despondency  or  in  a  half- 
tragic  mood,  he  had  good  naturedly  declared  his 
intentions,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  the  evening 
in  such  lively  chat  that  she  had  been  pleased  and 
amused  by  his  tactics.  Since  that  time  he  had 
made  himself  useful,  was  always  ready  to  be  an 
escort  with  a  liberal  purse,  and  never  annoyed  her 
with  sentiment.  She  understood  him,  and  he  was 
aware  that  she  did.  lie  took  his  chances  for  the 
future,  and  was  always  on  hand  to  avail  himself  of 
any  mood  or  emergency  which  he  could  turn  to  his 
advantage.  In  various  unimportant  ways  he  was  of 
service  to  Mr.  "\Yilclmcre,  but  hoped  more  from  the 
broker's  embarrassments  than  from  the  girl's  heart. 
I  might  do  worse,"  muttered  the  beaut}', —  '  I 
might  do  worse.  If  it  were  not  for  Graydon  Muir, 
I'd  decide  the  question  at  once." 

The  door-bell  rung,  and  Graydon  was  announced. 
Even  her  experienced  nerves  had  a  glad  tingle  ol 
excitement,  she  was  so  genuinely  pleased  to  see 
him.  And  well  she  might  be,  for  he  was  a  man  to 
light  any  woman's  eyes  with  admiration.  If  some- 
tiling  of  his  youth  had  passed,  his  face  had  gained  a 


rich  compensation  in  the  strong  lines  of  manhood, 
and  his  manner  a  courtly  dignity  from  long  contact 
with  the  best  elements  of  life.  One  saw  that  he 
knew  the  world,  but  had  not  been  spoiled  by  it. 
That  he  had  not  become  cynical  was  proved  by  his 
greeting  of  Miss  \Viklmere.  lie  was  capable  of 
hoping  that  her  continued  freedom,  in  spite  of  her 
remarkable  beaut}',  might  be  explained  on  the 
ground  of  a  latent  regard  for  him,  which  had  kept 
her  ready  for  his  suit  after  an  absence  so  unexpect 
edly  prolonged.  Through  a  friend  he  had,  from  time 
to  time,  been  informed  about  her  ;  and  there  was 
no  ring  on  her  hand  to  forbid  his  ardent  glances. 

Xever  before  had  she  appeared  so  alluringly  at 
tractive.  He  was  a  thorough  American,  and  had 
not  been  fascinated  by  foreign  types  of  beauty.  In 
his  fair  countrywoman  he  believed  that  he  saw  his 
ideal.  Her  beauty  was  remarkable  for  a  fulness,  a 
perfection  of  outline,  combined  with  a  fairness  and 
delicacy  which  suggested  that  she  was  not  made  of 
ordinary  clay.  Miss  \\Tldmere  prided  herself  upon 
giving  the  impression  that  she  was  remote  from  all 
that  was  common  or  homely  in  life.  She  cultivated 
the  characteristic  of  daintiness.  In  her  dress, 
gloves,  jewelr\',  and  complexion  she  would  be  im 
maculate  at  any  cost.  Gray  don's  fastidious  taste- 
could  never  find  a  flaw  in  her,  as  regarded  externals, 
and  she  knew  the  immense  advantage  of  pleasing 
his  eye  with  a  delicacy  that  even  approached  fragil 
ity  in  its  exquisite  fairness,  while  at  the  same  time 
her  elastic  step  in  the  dance  or  promenade  proved 
that  she  had  abundance  of  vitalitv. 


Nothing  could  have  been  more  auspicious  than 
his  coming  to-night,- — the  very  first  evening  after 
his  arrival.  It  assured  her  of  the  place  she  still  held 
in  his  thoughts  ;  it  gave  her  the  chance  to  renew, 
in  the  glad  hours  of  his  return,  the  impression  she- 
had  made  ;  and  she  saw  in  his  admiring  eyes  how 
favorable  that  impression  was.  She  exulted  that 
lie  found  her  so  well  prepared.  Her  clinging  sum 
mer  costume  revealed  not  a  little  of  her  beauty,  and 
suggested  more,  while  she  permitted  her  eyes  to 
give  a  welcome  more  cordial  even  than  her  words. 

He  talked  easily  and  vivaciously,  complimented 
her  openly,  yet  with  sincerity,  and  rallied  her  on 
the  wonder  of  wonders  that  she  was  still  Miss  Wilcl- 
mcre. 

Not  so  great  a  marvel  as  that  you  return  a 
"bachelor.  "Why  did  you  not  marry  a  German  prin 
cess  or  some  reduced  English  countess  ?" 

I  was  not  driven  to  that  necessity,  since  there 
were  American  queens  at  home.  1  am  delighted 
that  you  are  still  in  town.  What  are  your  plans  fen 
the  summer  ?' ' 

We  have  not  fully  decided  as  yet." 
'  Then   go  to  the  Catskills.      Our  ladies  are  there 
at  the  Under-Cliff  House,  and    I  am  told  that  it  is  a 
charming  place. " 

I  will  speak  to  mamma  of  it.  She  must  come- 
to  some  decision  soon.  1'apa  says  that  he  will  be 
too  busy  to  go  out  of  town  much." 

'  Why,  then,  the  Catskills  is  just  the  place — ac 
cessible  to  the  city,  you  know.  That  is  the  reason 
we  have  chosen  it.  I  propose  to  take  something  of  a 


vacation,  but  find  that  I  must  go  back  and  forth  a 
good  deal,  and  so  shall  escape  the  bore  of  a  lorn.1; 
journey. " 

You  have  given  two  good  reasons  for  our  going 
there.  The  place  cannot  be  stupid,  since  we  may 
see  you  occasionally,  and  papa  could  come  oftener. " 

Persuade  Mrs.  YVildmerc  into  the  plan  by  all 
means,  and  promise  me  your  first  waltz  after  your 
arrival  ;"  and  there  was  eagerness  in  his  tone. 

Will  you  also  promise  me  your  first  ?" 

Yes,  and  last  also,  if  you  wish." 

Oh,  no  !  I  do  not  propose  to  be  selfish  ;  Miss 
Alden  will  have  her  claims." 

What,  Sister  Madge  ?  She  must  have  changed 
greatly  if  she  will  dance  at  all.  She  is  an  invalid, 
you  know. " 

I  hear  she  has  returned  vastly  improved  in 
health, — indeed,  that  she  is  quite  a  beaut}'." 

I  hope  so,"  he  said,  cordially,  "but  fear  that 
rumor  has  exaggerated.  My  brother  said  she  was 
better,  and  added  but  little  more.  Have  you  seen 
her?" 

'No.      I   only  heard,  a  short  time  since,  that  she 
had  returned. 

Madge  had  not  gone  into  society,  and  had  she 
met  Miss  Wild  me  re  face  to  face  she  would  not  have 
been  recognized,  so  greatly  was  she  changed  from 
the  pallid,  troubled  girl  over  whom  the  beauty  had 
enjoyed  her  petty  triumph  ;  but  the  report  of  Miss 
Alden's  attractions  had  aroused  in  Miss  Wildmere's 
mind  apprehensions  of  a  possible  rival. 

(iraydon's    manner    was     completely     reassuring. 


io6  .-/    YOUNG    C/A'/.'S   U'OOIA'C. 

Whatever  Miss  Alclen  might  liave  become,  she  evi 
dently  had  no  place  in  his  thoughts  beyond  that 
natural  to  their  relations.  No  closer  ties  had  been 
formed  by  correspondence  during  his  long  absence. 

Further  tctc-a-tctc  was  interrupted  by  the  appear 
ance  of  Mr.  Arnault.  The  young  men  were  courte 
ous  and  even  cordial  to  each  other,  but  before  half 
an  hour  had  passed  the}'  recogni/ed  that  the}'  were 
rivals.  Graydon's  lips  grew  firm,  and  his  eyes 
sparkled  with  the  spirit  of  one  who  had  not  the 
faintest  idea  of  yielding  to  another.  Miss  Wild- 
mere  was  de-lighted.  The  game  was  in  her  own 
hands.  She  could  play  these  two  men  off  against 
each  other,  and  take"  her  choice.  Mr.  Arnault  was 
made  to  feel  that  he  was  not  dc  trop,  and,  as  usual, 
he  was  nonchalant,  serene,  and  evidently  meant  to 
stay.  Therefore  Graydon  took  his  leave,  and  was 
permitted  to  carry  away  the  impression  that  his  de 
parture  was  regretted. 

''  Mr.  Arnault,"  said  Miss  Wildmere,  quietly, 
"  we  have  decided  to  spend  some  time  at  the  Under- 
Cliff  House  in  the  Catskills.  So  you  perceive  that 
I  shall  be  deprived  of  the  pleasure  of  your  calls  for 
a  while. 

Not  at  all.      I  shall  take  part  of  my  summering 
there  also.      When  do  you  go  ?" 

''In  a  few  days — sometime  before  the  fourth. 
How  fortunately  it  all  happens  !"  she  added,  laugh 
ing.  '  When  did  you  decide  on  the  Catskills  ?" 

'  That's  immaterial.      When  did  you  ?" 

'  That  also  is  immaterial.  Perhaps  you  would 
like  to  ask  mamma  ?" 


Kll'AL    GIRLS.  107 

'I'd  rather  ask  papa  —  both,  I  should  say,"  he 
replied,  with  a  significant  shrug. 

Do  so  by  all  means.  Meanwhile  I  would  sug 
gest  that  a  great  many  people  go  to  the  Catskills, — 
thirty  thousand,  more  or  less,  it  is  said." 

'  I  had  another  question  in  mind.  Is  Gray- 
don  Muir  going  there  in  order  to  follow  the 
crowd  ?" 

If  he  is  going  I  suppose  he  will  follow  his  incli 
nations.  " 

Or  you  ?" 

'  Were  that  possible,  I  could  not  prevent  it.  In 
deed,  women  rarely  resent  such  things." 

Xo  indeed.  It  is  well  you  do  not,  for  you 
would  become  the  embodiment  of  resentment. 
How  large  is  your  train  now,  Stella?" 

'  You  can  diminish  it  by  one  if  you  choose,"  she 
replied,  smiling  archly. 

I  should  be  little  missed,  no  doubt." 

I  didn't  say  that.  " 

'I'm  more  afraid  of  Muir  than  of  all  the  train 
together. " 

That's  natural.  The  train  has  little  chance  col 
lectively." 

Don't  pretend  to  misunderstand  me.  There 
was  unmistakable  meaning  in  Muir's  eyes." 

I  should  hope  so.  lie  means  to  help  me  have 
a  good  time.  So  do  you,  I  trust." 

Certainly.  You  ma}'  judge  of  the  future  from 
the  past,"  he  added,  significantly,  as  he  rose  to 
take  his  leave. 

'Then    the    future    promises    well     for    me,"    she 


loS  A    YOUXG    GIRL'S   IVOOIXG. 

said,  giving  him  her  hand  cordially  ;   "  for  you  have 
been  one  of  the  best  of  friends." 

"  And  a  good  deal  more.      Good-night." 

''  Mamma,"  said  Miss  Wildmere,  stopping  at  the 
nursery  on  her  way  to  her  room,  "  \ve  must  get 
ready  to  go  to  the  Catskills  at  once." 

'  Why,  Stella  !  This  is  the  first  I've  heard  of 
this  plan.  Your  father  has  said  that  he  doesn't  see 
how  \ve  can  go  out  of  town  at  all  this  summer." 

"  Nonsense  !   I'll  insure  that  papa  agrees." 

I  don't  see  how  I  can  get  ready  soon.  The 
baby  is  fretful,  and  I'm  all  worn  out  between  broken 
rest  and  worry.  Won't  you  take  Effie  for  a  little 
while?" 

Where's  the  nurse  ?" 

"  She's  out.  Of  course  she  has  to  have  some 
time  to  herself." 

'  You  just  spoil  the  servants.  It's  her  business 
to  take  care  of  the  child.  What  else  is  she  paid 
for  ?  Why  can't  one  of  the  other  maids  take  her  ?" 

"  Effie  is  too  nervous  to  go  to  strangers  to 
night." 

Oh,  well,  give  her  to  me,  then." 

The  sensitive  little  organization  knew  at  once 
that  it  was  in  the  hands  not  only  of  a  comparative 
stranger,  but  also  of  one  whose  touch  revealed  little 
sympathy,  and  its  protest  was  so  great  that  the  tired 
mother  took  it  again,  while  the  beautiful  daughter, 
the  cynosure  of  all  eyes  in  public,  went  to  her  room 
to  finish  the  "  exciting  scene"  at  her  leisure. 

But  the  scene  had  grown  unreal.  Its  hero  was 
but  a  shadow,  and  a  distorted  one  at  that.  The 


RIVAL    677vV,.V.  109 

book  fell  from  her  hand  ;  she  again  saw  Graydon 
Muir  coming  forward  to  greet  her  with  an  easy 
grace  which  no  prince  in  story  could  surpass,  and 
with  an  expression  in  his  dark  blue  eyes  which  no 
woman  fails  to  understand.  It  assured  her  that 
neither  in  the  old  world  nor  in  the  new  had  he  seen 
her  equal. 

I  wish  it  could  be,"  she  murmured  ;  "  I  hope 
it  can  be  ;  were  it  not  for  that  '  if  '  it  should  be 
soon. " 

Thus,  after  her  own    fashion,  another  girl  had  de 
signs  upon  Graydon. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

THE    MEETING. 

GRAYDON  had  completed  his  final  transactions 
abroad  with  more  expedition  than  he  had  an 
ticipated,  and,  having  been  favored  by  a  quick  pas 
sage,  had  arrived  several  days  sooner  than  he  \vas 
expected.  Therefore  he  decided  to  accompany  his 
brother  to  the  Catskills  on  Saturday,  spending  the 
intervening  time  in  business  and  such  arrangements 
as  would  leave  him  free  to  remain  in  the  country 
for  a  week  or  two.  The  second  evening  after  his 
arrival  again  found  him  in  Miss  Wildmere's  parlor, 
and  before  he  left  he  was  given  to  understand  that 
Mrs.  Wildmere  had  decided  upon  the  Under-Cliff 
House  also,  and  that  they  would  depart  on  Satur 
day. 

'Then   you    will   be  contpagnoii  dc   royagr,'"  said 
Graydon,  with  undisguised  pleasure. 

Somewhat  to  Mrs.  Wildmere's  surprise,  her  hus 
band  quietly  acquiesced  in  his  daughter's  wishes, 
telegraphed  for  rooms,  and  desired  his  wife  to  be 
ready. 

She  was  a  quiet,  meek  little  woman,  whose  life 
had  somehow  become  entangled  in  a  sphere  which 


5  'HE   MEE  TING.  1 1  I 

was  not  in  harmony  with  her  nature.  Her  beauty 
had  faded  early,  and  she  had  little  force  of  charac 
ter  with  which  to  maintain  her  influence  over  her 
husband.  His  life  was  amid  the  fierce  excitements 
of  Wall  Street  ;  hers,  as  far  as  she  had  a  life,  was  a 
weary  effort  to  keep  up  appearances  and  meet  the 
expenses  of  a  fashionable  daughter,  on  an  uncertain 
and  greatly  fluctuating  income. 

Mr.  Wildmere  informed  her  that  his  affairs  would 
keep  him  in  town  until  late  in  the  following  week, 
but  that,  as  the  house  to  which  she  was  going  was 
a  quiet  family  hotel,  she  would  have  no  trouble. 

Air.  Muir  had  telegraphed  the  arrival  of  his 
brother,  and  the  latter  had  written  a  few  cordial  but 
hast}'  lines  to  both  his  sister-in-law  and  Madge. 
Where  he  spent  his  evenings  was  unknown  to  Mr. 
Muir,  but  that  gentleman  had  little  trouble  in  guess 
ing  when  he  saw  his  brother  greet  the  Wildmeres  as 
if  he  understood  their  plans,  and  laughingly  promise 
Mr.  Wildmere  that  he  would  see  the  ladies  and 
their  belongings  safely  established  in  the  Under- 
Cliff  ]  louse.  Graydon  observed  the  slight  cloud 
on  his  brother's  face,  but  ignored  it,  feeling  that  his 
preference  was  an  affair  of  his  own.  He  believed 
that  the  long-wished-for  opportunity  to  press  his 
suit  with  vigor  had  come,  and  had  no  hesitation  as 
to  his  purpose.  lie  did  not  intend  to  act  precipi 
tately,  however.  He  would  first  learn  just  how  Mr. 
Arnault  stood,  and  become  reasonably  assured  by 
Miss  Wildmere's  manner  toward  himself  that  her 
preference  was  not  a  hope,  but  a  reality. 

The  enterprise   in   which    Mr.  Muir  had  engaged, 


112  A    YOUXG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

and  which  now  so  taxed  his  financial  strength,  was 
outside  of  his  regular  business,  and  Graydon  knew 
nothing  of  it.  The  young  man  believed  that  his 
own  means  and  exceptionally  good  prospects  were 
sufficient  to  warrant  the  step  he  proposed  to  take. 
He  assuredly  had  the  right  to  please  himself  in  his 
choice,  and  he  felt  that  he  would  be  fortunate  in 
deed  could  he  win  one  whom  so  many  had  sought 
in  vain. 

It  never  entered  Mr.  Muir's  mind  to  interpose  any 
authority  or  undue  influence.  He  merely  felt  in  regard 
to  the  matter  a  repugnance  natural  to  one  so  alien  in 
disposition  to  Mr.  Wildmere  and  his  daughter,  and  it 
was  a  source  of  bitter  mortification  to  him  that  he 
now  found  himself  in  a  position  not  unlike  that  of 
the  broker,  in  what  would  appear,  in  the  present  as 
pect  of  affairs,  to  be  an  outside  speculation.  Dur 
ing  the  ride  to  the  mountains  he  mentally  compared 
Miss  Wildmere's  behavior  with  that  of  Madge  a 
week  before.  Witnessing  Graydon's  evident  infat 
uation,  he  would  have  been  glad  to  recognize  any 
manifestation  of  traits  that  promised  well  for  his 
future  ;  but  the  young  lady  was  evidently  altogether 
occupied  with  the  attentions  she  received,  her  own 
beauty,  and  the  furtive  admiration  of  fellow-passen 
gers.  Poor  Mrs.  Wildmere  and  the  nurse  were  left 
to  manage  the  cross  baby  as  best  they  could. 
Graydon  once  or  twice  tried  to  do  something,  but 
his  strange  face  and  voice  only  frightened  the  child. 

To  Madge  it  had  seemed  an  age  since  the  tele 
gram  announcing  Graydon's  arrival  had  thrilled 
every  nerve  with  hope  and  fear.  Then  had  come 


THE    MEETING.  113 

his  hasty  note,  proving  conclusively  his  affectionate 
indifference.  She  was  simply  Madge  to  him,  as  of 
old.  lie  was  the  one  man  of  all  the  world  to  her, 
and  no  calculating  "  if  "  would  be  the  source  of  her 
restraint. 

True  to  her  old  tactics,  however,  she  had  spent 
no  time  in  idle  dreaming.  She  had  cultivated  Dr. 
Sommers's  acquaintance,  and  he  had  already  accom 
panied  her  and  her  sister  through  a  wild  valley,  on 
the  occasion  of  a  visit  to  one  of  his  patients.  Little 
Jack  had  improved  under  his  care,  and  Mrs.  Muir 
was  growing  serene,  rested,  and  eager  for  Saturday. 
Madge  shared  her  impatience,  and  yet  dreaded  the 
hour  during  which  she  felt  that  a  glimpse  of  the 
future  would  be  revealed.  She  had  driven  out 
daily  with  her  sister,  and  familiarized  herself  with 
the  topography  of  the  region.  Having  formed  the 
acquaintance  of  some  pleasant  and  comparatively 
active  people  in  the  house,  she  had  joined  such 
walking-expeditions  as  they  would  venture  upon. 
In  rowing  the  children  upon  a  small  lake,  she 
also  disposed  of  some  of  her  superabundant  vitality 
and  the  nervous  excitement  which  anticipation 
could  not  fail  to  produce.  In  the  evening  there 
was  more  or  less  dancing,  and  her  hand  was  eagerly 
sought  by  such  of  the  young  men  as  could  obtain 
the  right  to  ask  it.  Mrs.  Muir's  remark  that  she 
would  become  a  belle  in  spite  of  herself  proved 
true  ;  but  while  she  affected  no  exclusive  or  distant 
airs,  the  most  callow  and  forward  youth  felt  at  once 
the  restraint  of  her  fine  reserve.  Her  sensitive  na 
ture  enabled  her,  in  a  place  of  public  resort,  to  know 


H4  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

instinctively  whom  to  keep  at  a  distance,  and  who, 
like  Dr.  Sommers,  not  only  invited  but  justified  a 
frank  and  friendly  manner. 

As  the  time  for  the  gentlemen  to  arrive  ap 
proached,  Mrs.  Muir  showed  more  restless  interest 
than  Madge.  The  one  anticipated  a  bit  of  amuse 
ment  over  Graydon's  surprise  ;  the  other  looked 
forward  to  meeting  her  fate.  Mrs.  Muir  was  garru 
lous  ;  Madge  was  comparatively  silent,  and  main 
tained  the  semblance  of  interest  in  a  book  so  natu 
rally  that  her  sister  exclaimed,  "  I  expect  you  will 
die  with  a  book  in  your  hand  !  I  could  no  more 
read  now  than  preach  a  sermon.  Come,  it's  time 
to  make  your  toilet.  Let  me  help  you,  and  I  want 
you  to  get  yourself  up  '  perfectly  regardless.'  You 
must  outshine  them  all  at  the  hop  this  evening." 

"  Nonsense,  Mar}-  !  They  won't  be  here  for  an 
hour  and  a  half.  I'm  going  to  lie  down  ;"  and  she 
went  to  her  room.  When  her  sister  sought  admit 
tance  half  an  hour  later  the  door  was  locked  and  all 
was  quiet.  At  last,  in  her  impatience,  she  knocked 
and  cried,  "  Wake  up.  They  will  be  here  soon." 

I'm  not  asleep,  and   it  will  not  take  me  long  to 
dress." 

'  Well,  you  arc  the  coolest  young  woman  I  ever 
knew,"  Mrs.  Muir  called  out,  finding  that  admit 
tance  was  denied  her. 

Madge  had  determined  to  spend  the  final  hour  of 
her  long  separation  alone.  Her  nature  had  become 
too  deep  and  strong  to  seek  trivial  diversion  from 
the  suspense  that  weighed  upon  her  spirit.  As  she 
thought  of  the  possibility  of  failure,  and  its  results, 


THE    MEETING.  115 

her  courage  faltered  a  little,  and  a  few  tears  would 
come.  At  last,  with  a  glance  heavenward  which 
proved  that  there  was  nothing  in  her  heart  to  keep 
her  from  looking  thither  for  sanction,  she  left  her 
room,  serene  and  resolute.  She  had  taken  her 
woman's  destiny  into  her  own  hand,  to  mould  it  in 
her  own  way,  but  in  no  arrogant  and  unbelieving 
spirit. 

Mrs.  Muir   uttered  a   disappointed  protest.      "  O 
Madge,  how  plainly  you  arc  dressed  !" 

I  knew  you  wouldn't  like  it  at  first,"  was  the 
quiet  reply.  By  the  time  they  had  readied  the 
parlor  door  opposite  the  office,  near  which  they 
proposed  to  wait  for  the  travellers,  now  momenta 
rily  expected,  Mrs.  Muir  was  compelled  to  acknowl 
edge  the  correctness  of  Madge's  taste.  Her  cos 
tume  no  more  distracted  attention  from  herself  than 
would  the  infolding  calyx  of  a  rosebud.  In  its  ex 
quisite  proportions  her  fine  figure  was  outlined  by 
close  white  drapery,  which  made  her  appear  taller 
than  she  really  was.  A  single  half-open  Jacquemi 
not  rose,  like  the  one  she  had  sent  to  Graydon  at 
their  parting  over  two  years  since,  was  fastened  on 
her  bosom.  Her  dark  eyes  burned  with  a  sup 
pressed  excitement.  Tier  complexion,  if  not  so 
white  as  that  of  Miss  Wildmere,  was  pure,  and  had 
a  richer  hue  of  health.  But  she  was  pale  now. 
Her  red  lips  half  destroyed  their  exquisite  curves  in 
firm  compression.  The  moment  had  not  quite 
come  for  action,  when  those  lips  must  be  true  to 
herself,  true  to  her  purpose,  even  while  they  spoke 
words  which  might  be  misleading  to  others. 


u6  ./    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

Mrs.  Muir,  with  triumph,  saw  the  glances  of 
strong  admiration  turned  toward  her  sister  from 
every  side.  Madge  saw  them  also,  but  only  to  read 
in  them  the  verdict  she  hoped  to  obtain  from  the 
kind  blue  eyes  for  whose  coming  she  waited. 

Standing  with  Mrs.  Muir,  facing  the  long  hall 
down  which  Graydon  must  advance,  she  knew  she 
would  see  him  before  he  could  recognize  her.  How 
much  of  longing,  of  breathless  interest,  would  be 
concentrated  in  those  moments  of  waiting,  she  her 
self  had  never  imagined  till  they  were  passing. 

The  stages  began  to  arrive,  with  consequent  bus 
tle,  and  the  hasty  advance  toward  the  office  of  men 
seeking  to  register  their  names  early,  in  order  to 
secure  a  choice  of  rooms.  At  last  she  saw  Gray- 
don's  tall  form  and  laughing  face,  and  for  a  second 
something  approaching  to  faintness  caused  her  to 
close  her  eyes.  When  she  opened  them  again  they 
rested  upon  Miss  Wildmere. 

This  young  lady  understood  the  art  of  making  an 
impressive  and  almost  triumphal  entry  on  new- 
scenes.  Therefore  she  had  been  in  no  haste.  In 
deed,  haste  had  no  place  among  her  attributes  :  it 
was  ungraceful  and  usually  not  effective.  When, 
therefore,  the  crowd  had  passed  on,  and  there  was  a 
comparatively  clear  space  in  the  hall,  she  advanced 
down  it  at  Graydon's  side  as  if  her  mind  was  wholly 
engrossed  with  their  lively  chat.  Never  for  a  sec 
ond  was  she  unconscious  of  the  attention  they  at 
tracted.  Graydon  was  one  at  whom  even  men 
would  turn  and  look  as  he  passed,  and  she  believed 
that  there  was  none  other  who  could  keep  step  with 


'/'///•:  .)//••/;  TY  \Y;.  1 1 7 

him  like  herself.  So  thought  the  self-appointed 
committee  of  reception  \vho  always  regard  curiously 
the  new-comers  at  a  summer  resort,  and  there  were 
whispered  notes  of  admiration  as  the  two  paused 
for  a  moment  before  the  register  and  looked  back. 
Then  it  was  seen  that  a  meek-looking  little  lady  and 
a  nurse  and  child  were  straggling  after  them,  while 
Mr.  Muir  brought  up  the  rear.  Graydon  had  some 
light  wraps  thrown  gracefully  over  his  arm,  but  the 
merchant  carried  the  less  ornamental  impedimenta 
of  the  party,  for  the  earlier  guests  had  already  over- 
ladened  the  office-boys.  lie  now  handed  the  valise 
— a  sort  of  tender  upon  the  baby — to  a  porter,  and 
rather  grimly  acknowledged  Mrs.  Wildmere's  min 
gled  thanks  and  feeble  protestations. 

Please  register  for  us,"  said  Miss  Wildmere, 
glancing  carelessly  yet  observantly  around.  An  in 
tervening  group  had  partially  hidden  Madge  and 
her  sister.  It  was  also  evident  that  Graydon  was 
too  much  occupied  with  his  fair  companion  to  look 
far  away.  lie  complied,  thinking,  meantime. 

Some  day  I  may  register  for  her  again,  and  then 
ni}'  name  will  suffice  for  us  both."  The  smile 
which  followed  the  thought  brought  out  the  best 
lines  of  his  handsome  profile  to  poor  Madge,  who 
permitted  no  phase  of  expression  on  that  face  to 
escape  her  scrutiny.  So  true  was  the  clairvoyance 
of  her  intense  interest  that  she  guessed  the  thought 
which  was  so  agreeable  to  him,  and  she  grew  paler 
still. 

Mr.  Muir  hastened  to  greet  his  wife,  and  then 
Gra\  don  recognized  her.  lie  came  at  once  and 


IiS  A    ror.YG   67AV/5   WOOING. 

kissed  her   in    his   accustomed  hearty  way.      Madge 
stood  near,  unnoted,  unrecognized. 

'Where's  Madge?  Isn't  she  well  enough  to 
come  down  ?"  he  asked,  his  eyes  following  Miss 
Wildmere,  who  had  entered  the  parlor,  which  she 
must  cross  to  reach  her  room  beyond.  Mrs.  Muir 
began  to  laugh  immoderately,  and  Mr.  Muir  fol 
lowed  his  brother's  eyes  with  vexation.  Graydon 
was  on  the  qiii  i<ivc  instantly,  and  Madge  drew  a 
step  nearer  and  began  to  smile.  For  once  the 
punctilious  and  elegant  Graydon  forgot  his  courtesy, 
and  looked  at  Madge  in  utter  astonishment, — an 
expression,  however,  which  passed  swiftly  into  ad 
miration  and  delight. 

Madge  !"  he  exclaimed,  seizing  both  her  hands. 

o  o 

I  couldn't  have  believed  it.  I  wouldn't  believe 
it  now  but  for  your  eyes  ;"  and  before  she  could 
prevent  him  he  had  placed  a  kiss  upon  her  lips. 

Miss  Wildmere  had  seen  the  unknown  beauty  as 
she  passed,  had  inventoried  her  with  woman's  in 
stantaneous  perception,  had  paused  on  the  distant 
threshold  and  seen  the  greeting,  then  had  vanished 
with  a  vindictive  flash  in  her  gray  eyes. 

Graydon's  impetuous  words  and  salute  had  pro 
duced  smiles  and  envious  glances,  and  the  family 
party  withdrew  into  a  retired  corner  of  the  apart 
ment,  Madge's  cheeks,  meanwhile,  vying,  in  spite  of 
herself,  with  the  rose  on  her  breast.  Graydon  would 
not  relinquish  her  hand,  and,  as  Mrs.  Muir  had  pre 
dicted,  indulged  in  little  more  than  exclamation 
points. 

'  There  now,  be  rational,"    cried   the  young  girl, 


THE    MEETING.  119 

laughing,  her  heart  for  the  moment  full  of  gladness 
and  triumph.  lie  was  indeed  bending  upon  her 
looks  of  admiration,  delight,  and  affection. 

'  Why   have    I    been   kept   in   the   dark  about  all 
this?"  he  at  last  asked,  incoherently. 

For    the    same   reason    that   we   were.      Madge 

o 

meant  to  give  us  a  surprise,  and  succeeded.  I 
couldn't  get  over  it,  and  they  were  always  laughing 
at  me,  so  I  determined  that  I  should  have  my  laugh 
at  you.  Oh,  wasn't  it  rich  ?  To  think  of  the  ele 
gant  and  travelled  society  man  standing  there  star 
ing  with  his  eyes  and  mouth  wide  open  !" 

I  don't  think  it  was  quite  so  bad  as  that,  but  if 
it  was  there's  good  reason  for  it.  Tell  me,  Madge, 
how  this  miracle  was  wrought  !" 

There,  that's  juoi;  what  I  called  it,"  cried  Mrs. 
Muir,  "  and  it's  nothing  less  than  one,  in  spite  of  all 
that  Madge  and  Henry  can  say." 

When  you  are  ready  for  supper  I  will  show  you 
one  phase  of  the  miracle, "  said  Madge,  laughing, 
with  glad  music  in  her  voice.  "  Come,  I'm  not  an 
escaped  member  of  a  menagerie,  and  there's  no 
occasion  for  you  to  stare  an}'  longer." 

'  Yes,  come  along,"  added  Mr.  Muir  ;    "  I've  had 
no  roast  beef  to-day  and  a  surfeit  of  sentiment." 

The  young  fellow  colored  slightly,  but  said 
brusquely  :  "  Men's  tastes  change  with  age.  I  sup 
pose  you  did  not  find  a  little  sentiment  amiss  once 
upon  a  time.  Well,  Madge,  you  are  not  a  bit  of  a 
ghost  now,  yet  I  fear  you  are  an  illusion." 

Illusions  will  vanish  when  you  come  to  help  me 
at  supper.  We  will  wait  for  you  on  the  pia/./a." 


120  A    VOf^VG   GfK/:s   U'OOfA-G. 

As  she  paced  its  wide  extent,  her  illusions  also 
vanished.  Graydon  had  greeted  her  as  a  brother, 
and  a  brother  only.  When  the  tumult  at  her  heart 
subsided,  this  truth  stood  out  most  clearly.  His 
kiss  still  tingled  upon  her  lips.  It  must  be  the  last, 
unless  followed  by  a  kiss  of  love.  Their  brotherly 
and  sisterly  relations  must  be  shattered  at  once. 
No  such  relations  existed  for  her,  and  only  as  she 
destroyed  such  regard  on  his  part  could  a  tenderer 
affection  take  its  place.  With  her  as  his  sister  he 
would  be  content  ;  he  might  not  readily  think  of 
her  in  another  light,  and  meantime  might  drift 
swiftly  into  an  engagement  with  Miss  Wildmere. 


CHAPTER   X. 

OLD    TIES   BROKEN. 

'A  /TADGE,"  said  Graydon,  rejoining  her  on 
IV  J.  the  piazza,  and  giving  her  his  arm,  while 
Mrs.  Muir  sat  down  to  wait  for  her  husband,  "  you 
wear  a  rose  like  the  one  you  sent  me  when  we 
parted  so  long  ago.  Oh,  but  my  heart  was  heavy 
then  !  Did  you  make  this  choice  to-night  by 
chance ?" 

'  You  have  a  good  memory." 
'  You  have  not  answered  me." 

I  shall  admit  nothing  that  will  increase  your 
vanity." 

'  You  will  now  of  necessity  make  my  pride  over 
weening. " 

How  is  that  ?  I  hope  to  have  a  better  influence 
over  you. " 

As  I  look  at  you  I  regard  my  pride  as  most 
pardonable  and  natural.  My  old  thoughts  and 
hopes  are  realized  beyond  even  imagination, 
although,  looking  at  your  eyes,  in  old  times,  I 
always  had  a  high  ideal  of  your  capabilities.  I 
should  be  a  clod  indeed  if  I  were  not  proud  of 
such  a  sister  to  champion  in  society." 


122  A    YOU.YG    C/A'L'S    \\'OOIXG. 

Madge's  hearty  laugh  was  a  little  forced  as  she 
said,  "You  have  a  delightfully  cool  way  of  taking 
things  for  granted.  I'm  no  longer  a  little  sick  girl, 
but,  to  vary  Peggotty's  exultant  statement,  a 
young  lady  '  growed.'  You  forgot  yourself,  sir,  in 
your  greeting  ;  but  that  was  pardonable  in  your 
paroxysm  of  surprise." 

What,  Madge  !  Will  you  not  permit  me  to  be 
your  brother  ?" 

'  What  an  absurd  question  !"  she  answered,  still 
laughing.  "  You  are  not  my  brother.  Can, I  per 
mit  water  to  run  up  hill  ?  You  were  like  a  brother, 
though,  when  I  was  a  sick  child  in  the  queer  old 
times, — kinder  than  most  brothers,  I  think.  But, 
Graydon,  I  am  grown  up.  See,  my  head  comes 
above  your  shoulder." 

1  Well,  you  are  changed." 

For  the  better,  in  some  respects,  I  hope  you 
will  find." 

I  don't  at  all  like  the  change  you  suggest  in  our 
relations,  and  am  not  sure  I  will  submit  to  it.  It 
seems  absurd  to  me." 

It  will  not  seem  so  when  you  come  to  think  of 
it,"  she  replied,  gravely  and  gently.  '  You  think 
of  me  still  as  little  Madge  ;  I  am  no  longer  little 
Madge,  even  to  myself.  A  woman's  instincts  arc 
usually  right,  Graydon." 

"  Oh,  thank  you  !  I  am  glad  I  am  still  '  Gray 
don.'  Why  do  you  not  call  me  '  Mr.  Muir  '  ?" 

"Because  I  am  perfectly  rational.  Beceiuse  I 
regard  you  as  almost  the  best  friend  I  have." 

"  Break  up  that   confabulation,"  cried    Mr,  Muir 


OLD    77  ES  fiROKKN.  123 

to  the  young  people,  who  had  paused  and  were 
confronting  each  other  at  the  farther  end  of  the 
piazza.  "  If  you  think  Madge  can  explain  herself 
in  a  moment  or  a  week  you  arc  mistaken.  Come 
to  supper." 

"My  brother  is  right,- — you  arc  indeed  an 
enigma,"  he  said,  discontentedly. 

"An  enigma,  am  I?"  she  responded,  smiling. 
"  Please  remember  that  most  of  the  world's  enigmas 
\\ere  .-lowly  found  out  because  so  simple." 

As  they  passed  from  the  dusk)-  pia/./.a  to  the 
large,  brilliantly  lighted  supper-room,  with  nearly 
all  its  tables  occupied,  he  was  curious  to  observe 
how  she  would  meet  the  many  critical  eyes  turned 
t"\vard  her.  Again  he  was  puzzled  as  well  as  sur 
prised.  She  walked  at  his  side  as  though  the  room 
\\ere  empty.  There  was  no  affectation  of  indiffer 
ence,  no  trace  of  embarrassed  or  of  pleased  self-con 
sciousness.  From  the  friendly  glances  and  smiles 
that  she  received  it  was  also  apparent  that  she  had 
already  made  acquaintances.  She  moved  with  the 
easy,  graceful  step  of  perfect  good  breeding  and 
a  isured  confidence,  and  was  as  self-possessed  as 
himself.  \\'as  this  the  little  ghost  who  had  once 
been  afraid  of  her  own  shadow,  which  was  scarcely 
less  substantial  than  herself? 

They  had  been  seated  but  a  moment  when  Miss 
\\  Tldmere  entered  alone.  To  (1  ray  don  this  ap 
peared  pathetic.  lie  did  not  know  that  her  mother 
\\asso  worn  out  from  the  journey,  and  so  embar 
rassed  by  unaided  efforts  to  get  settled  while  still 
caring  for  her  half-sick  child,  that  she  had  decided 


124  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

to  make  a  slight  and  hasty  repast  in  her  own  room. 
Miss  Wildmere  cared  little  for  what  took  place  be 
hind  the  scenes,  but  was  usually  superb  before  the 
foot-lights.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  charm 
ing  or  better  calculated  to  win  general  good-will 
than  her  advance  down  the  long  room.  In  external 
beauty  she  was  more  striking  at  first  than  Madge. 
She  did  not  in  the  least  regret  that  she  must  enter 
alone,  for  she  was  not  proud  of  her  mother,  and 
nothing  drew  attention  from  herself.  She  assumed, 
however,  a  slight  and  charming  trace  of  embarrass 
ment  and  perplexity,  which  to  Graydon  was  per 
fectly  irresistible,  and  he  mentally  resolved  that  she 
should  not  much  longer  want  a  devoted  escort. 
Madge  saw  his  glance  of  sympathy  and  strong  ad 
miration,  his  smile  and  low  bow  as  she  passed,  ush 
ered  forward  by  the  obsequious  head-waiter,  and 
her  heart  sunk.  In  spite  of  all  she  had  attempted 
and  achieved,  the  old  cynical  assurance  came  back 
to  her,—  '  You  are  nothing  to  Graydon,  and  never 
can  be  anything  to  him."  She  was  pale  enough 
now,  but  her  eyes  burned  with  the  resolution  not  to 
yield  until  all  hope  was  slain.  She  talked  freely, 
and  was  most  friendly  toward  Graydon,  but  there 
was  a  slight  constraint  in  his  manner.  The  beauti 
ful  and  self-possessed  girl  who  sat  opposite  him  was 
not  little  Madge  whom  it  had  been  his  pleasure  to 
pet  and  humor.  She  evidently  no  longer  regarded 
herself  as  his  sister,  but  rather  as  a  charming  young 
woman  abundantly  able  to  take  care  of  herself. 
She  had  indeed  changed  marvellously  in  more  re 
spects  than  one,  and  he  felt  aggrieved  that  he  had 


OLD    TIES  BROKEN.  125 

been  kept  in  ignorance  of  her  progress.  He  be 
lieved  that  she  had  grown  away  from  him  and  the 
past,  as  well  as  grown  up,  according  to  her  declara 
tion,  lie  recalled  her  apparent  disinclination  for 
correspondence,  and  now  thought  it  due  to  indiffer 
ence,  rather  than  an  indolent  shrinking  from  effort. 
The  surprise  she  had  given  him  seemed  a  little  thing 
— an  act  due  possibly  to  vanity — compared  with  the 
sisterly  accounts  she  might  have  written  of  her  im 
provement.  She  had  achieved  the  wonder  without 
aid  from  him,  and  so  of  course  had  not  felt  the  need 
of  his  help  in  any  way.  In  remembrance  of  the 
past  he  felt  that  he  had  not  deserved  to  be  so 
ignored.  Her  profession  of  friendship  was  all  well 
enough, — there  could  scarcely  be  less  than  that, — 
but  the  Madge  he  had  looked  forward  to  meeting 
again  as  of  old  no  longer  existed.  Oh  yes,  she 
should  have  admiration  and  exclamation  points  to 
her  heart's  content,  but  he  had  come  home  from 
his  long  exile  hungry  for  something  more  and  better 
than  young  lady  friends.  He  had  long  since  had  a 
surfeit  of  these  scmi-Piatonic  affinities.  The  girl 
who  apparently  had  been  refusing  scores  of  men  for 
his  sake  was  more  to  his  taste.  1 1  is  brother's  repug 
nance  only  irritated  and  incited  him,  and  he 
thought,  "  I'll  carry  out  his  business  policy  to  the 
utmost,  but  away  from  the  office  I  am  my  own 
man." 

As  these  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind,  they 
began  to  impart  to  his  manner  a  tinge  of  gallantry, 
the  beginning  of  a  departure  from  his  old  fraternal 
and  affectionate  ways.  He  was  too  well-bred  to 


show  pique  openly,  or  to  reveal  a  sense  of  injury 
during  the  first  hours  of  reunion,  but  he  already  felt 
absolved  from  being  very  attentive  to  a  girl  who  not 
only  had  proved  so  conclusively  that  she  could  man 
age  admirably  for  herself,  but  who  also  had  been  so 
indifferent  that  she  had  not  needed  his  sympathy  in 
her  efforts  or  thought  it  worth  while  to  gladden  him 
with  a  knowledge  of  her  progress.  He  had  loved 
her  as  a  sister,  and  had  given  ample  proof  of  this. 
He  had  maintained  his  affection  for  the  Madge  that 
he  remembered.  '  But  I  have  been  told,"  he- 
thought,  bitterly,  "  that  the  young  lady  before  me 
is  a  '  friend.'  She  has  been  a  rather  distant  friend, 
if  the  logic  of  events  counts  for  anything.  Not 
satisfied  with  the  thousands  of  miles  that  separated 
us,  she  has  also  withheld  her  confidence  in  regard 
to  changes  that  would  have  interested  even  a  casual 
acquaintance." 

Madge  soon  detected  the  changing  expression  of 
his  eyes,  the  lessening  of  simple,  loving  truth  in  his 
words,  and  whiL  she  was  pained  she  feared  that  all 
this  and  more  would  necessarily  result  from  the 
breaking  up  of  their  old  relations.  Her  task  was  a 
difficult  one  at  best,- — perhaps  it  was  impossible, — 
nor  had  she  set  about  it  in  calculating  policy.  Their 
old  relations  could  not  be  maintained  on  her  part. 
Even  the  touch  of  his  hand  had  the  mysterious 
power  to  send  a  thrill  to  her  very  heart.  Therefore 
she  must  surround  herself  at  once  with  the  viewless 
yet  impassable  barriers  which  a  woman  can  inter 
pose  even  by  a  glance. 

As  they  rose,  Graydon  remarked,  "  1  have  helped 


OLJ)     TIES    RKOKEX.  127 

you  at  supper,  and  yet  one  of  my  illusions  has  not 
vanished.  The  air  at  Santa  Barbara,  must  have  been 
very  nourishing  if  your  appetite  was  no  better  there 
than  here.  Your  strange  '  sea-change  '  on  that  dis 
tant  eoast  is  still  marvellous  to  me." 

Mary  can  tell  you  how  ravenous  1  usually  am. 
1  do  not  meet  friends  every  day  from  whom  I  have 
been  separated  so  long." 

'It  is  a  very  ordinary  thing  for  me  to  meet 
friends,'  "  he  replied,  sotto  vocc,  "  for  I  have  many. 
I  had  hopes  that  I  should  meet  one  who  would  be 
tar  more  than  a  friend.  I'm  half  inclined  to  go  out 
to  Santa  Barbara  and  see  if  my  little  sister  Madge 
is  not  still  there. " 

Do  you  think  me  a  fraud  ?" 

Oh  no,  only  so  changed  that  I  scarcely  know 
how  to  get  acquainted  with  you." 

I'Lven  if  I  granted  so  much,  which  I  do  not,  I 
might  suggest  that  one  must  be  uninteresting  indeed 
if  she  inspires  no  desire  for  acquaintance.  But  such 
talk  is  absurd  between  us,  Gray  don." 

"Of  course  it  is.  You  are  so  changed  for  the 
better  that  1  can  scarcely  believe  my  eyes  or  ears, 
and  my  heart  not  at  all.  Of  course  your  wishes 
shall  be  my  law,  and  my  wishes  will  lead  me  to  seek 
your  acquaintance  with  deep  and  undisguised  inter 
est.  You  see  the  trouble  with  me  is  that  I  have  not 
changed,  and  it  will  require  a  little  time  for  me  to 
adapt  myself  to  the  new  order  of  things.  I  am  now 
somewhat  stunned  and  paralyzed.  In  this  imbecile 
state  I  am  both  stupid  and  selfish.  I  ought  to  con 
gratulate  you,  and  so  I  do  with  all  the  shattered 


128  A    YOL-NG    CTRL' S  WOOING. 

forces  of  my  mind  and  reason.  You  have  improved 
amazingly.  You  are  destined  to  become  a  belle 
par  excellence,  and  probably  are  one  now, — I  know 
so  little  of  what  has  occurred  since  we  parted." 
"  You  arc  changed  also,  Graydon.  You  used  to 
be  kind  in  the  old  clays  ;"  and  she  spoke  sadly. 

In  some  respects  I  am  changed,"  he  said,  ear 
nestly  ;  "  and  my  affection  for  you  is  of  such  long 
standing  and  so  deep  that  it  prompts  me  to  make 
another  protest."  (They  had  strolled  out  upon  the 
grounds  and  were  now  alone.)  "  I  have  changed  in 
this  respect  :  I  am  no  longer  so  young  as  I  was,  and 
am  losing  my  zest  for  general  society.  I  was  weary 
of  residence  abroad,  where  I  could  have  scarcely  the 
semblance  of  a  home,  and,  while  I  had  many  ac 
quaintances  and  friends,  I  had  no  kindred.  I'm 
sorry  to  say  that  the  word  '  friend,'  in  its  reference 
to  young  ladies,  does  not  mean  very  much  to  me  ; 
or,  rather,  I  have  learned  from  experience  just  what 
it  does  mean.  A  few  years  since  I  was  proud  of 
my  host  of  young  lady  friends,  and  some  I  thought 
would  continue  to  be  such  through  life.  Bah  ! 
They  are  nearly  all  married  or  engaged  ;  their  lives 
have  drifted  complete!}'  away  from  mine,  as  it  was 
natural  and  inevitable  that  they  should.  We  are 
good  friends  still,  but  what  docs  it  amount  to  ?  I 
rarely  think  of  them  ;  they  never  of  me,  I  imagine. 
We  exert  no  influence  on  each  other's  lives,  and  add 
nothing  to  them.  I  never  had  a  sister,  but  I  had 
learned  to  love  you  as  if  you  were  one,  and  when  I 
heard  that  you  were  to  be  of  our  family  again,  the 
resumption  of  our  old  relations  was  one  of  my  dear- 


Or. I)    77  KS   y?A'CM'/'.'Ar.  \2i) 

est  expectations.  It  hurt  me  cruelly,  Madge,  when 
you  laughed  at  the  idea  as  preposterous,  and  told 
me  that  1  had  forgotten  myself  when  following  the 
most  natural  impulse  of  my  heart.  It  seemed  to 
me  the  result  of  prudishness,  rather  than  womanly 
delicacy,  unless  you  have  changed  in  heart  as 
greatly  as  in  externals.  You  could  be  so  much  to 
me  as  a  sister.  It  is  a  relationship  that  I  have 
always  craved, — a  sister  not  far  removed  from  me  in 
age  ;  and  such  a  tie,  it  appears  to  me,  might  form 
the  basis  of  a  sympathy  and  confidence  that  would 
be  as  frank  as  unselfish  and  helpful.  That  is  what 
I  looked  forward  to  in  you,  Madge.  Why  on  earth 
can  it  not  be  ?" 

She  was  painfully  embarrassed,  and  was  glad  that 
his  words  were  spoken  under  the  cover  of  night. 
She  trembled,  for  his  question  probed  deep.  How 
could  she  explain  that  what  was  so  natural  for  him 
was  impossible  for  her?  lie  mistook  her  hesitation 
for  a  sign  of  acquiescence,  and  continued:  "  Wherein 
have  I  failed  to  act  like  a  brother  ?  During  the 
years  we  were  together  was  I  not  reasonably  kind 
and  considerate  ?  You  did  not  think  of  yourself 
then  as  one  of  my  young  lady  friends.  Why  should 
you  now  ?  I  have  not  changed,  and,  as  I  have  said, 
1  have  returned  hungry  for  kindred  and  the  quieter 
pleasures  of  home.  It  is  time  that  I  was  consider 
ing  the  more  serious  questions  of  life,  and  of  course 
tiie  supreme  question  witli  a  man  of  my  years  is  that 
of  a  home  of  his  own.  I  have  never  been  able  to 
think  of  such  a  home  and  not  associate  you  with  it. 
1  can  invite  my  sister  to  it  and  make  her  a  part  of 


it,  but  I  cannot  invite  young  lady  friends.  A  sister 
can  be  such  a  help  to  a  fellow  ;  and  it  seems  to  me 
that  I  could  be  of  no  little  aid  to  you.  I  know  the 
world  and  the  men  you  will  meet  in  society.  Un 
less  you  seclude  yourself,  you  will  be  as  great  a 
belle  as  Miss  \Vildmere.  You  also  have  a  fine 
property  of  your  own.  Will  it  be  nothing  to  have 
a  brother  at  your  side  to  whom  you  can  speak 
frankly  of  those  who  seek  your  favor?  Come, 
Madge,  be  simple  and  rational.  I  have  not 
changed  ;  my  frank  words  and  pleadings  prove  that 
I  have  not.  If  we  do  not  go  back  to  the  hotel 
brother  and  sister  it  will  be  because  you  have 
changed  ;"  and  he  attempted  to  put  his  arm  around 
her  and  draw  her  to  him. 

She  sprung  aloof.  '"  Well,  then,  I  have  changed," 
she  said,  in  a  low,  concentrated  voice.  '  Think  me 
a  prude  if  you  will.  I  know  I  am  not.  You  are 
unjust  to  me,  for  you  give  me,  in  effect,  no  alterna 
tive.  You  say,  '  Think  of  me  as  a  brother  ;  feel 
and  act  as  if  you  were  my  sister,'  when  I  am  not 
your  sister.  It's  like  declaring  that  there  is  noth 
ing  in  blood, — that  such  relations  are  questions  of 
choice  and  will.  I  said  in  downright  sincerity  that 
I  regarded  you  as  almost  the  best  friend  I  had,  and 
I  have  not  so  many  friends  that  the  word  means 
nothing  to  me.  I  do  remember  all  your  kindness  in 
the  past, — when  have  I  forgotten  it  for  an  hour?-  - 
but  that  does  not  change  the  essential  instincts  of 
my  womanhood,  and  since  we  parted  I've  grown  to 
womanhood.  You  in  one  sense  have  not  changed, 
and  I  still  am  in  your  mind  the  invalid  child  you 


OLD    TIES   BROKEtf.  131 

used  to  indulge  and  fondle.  It  is  not  just  to  me 
now  to  ask  that  I  act  and  feel  as  if  there  were  a 
natural  tie  between  us.  The  fact  ever  remains  that 
there  is  not.  Why  should  I  deceive  you  by  pre 
tending  to  what  is  impossible  ?  Nature  is  stronger 
than  even  your  wishes,  Graydon,  and  cannot  be 
ignored. 

She  spoke  hesitatingly,  feeling  her  way  across 
most  difficult  and  dangerous  ground,  but  her  deci- 

o>  o 

sion  was  unmistakable,  and  he  said,  quietly,  "  I  am 
answered.  See.  we  have  wandered  far  from  the 
house.  Had  we  not  better  return  ?" 

After  a  few  moments  of  -silence  she  asked,  "  Are 
you  so  rich  in  friends  that  you  have  no  place  for 
me  ?" 

Why,  certainly,  Madge,"  he  replied,  in  cordial, 
off-hand  tones,  "  we  are  friends.  There's  nothing 
else  for  us  to  be.  I  don't  pretend  to  understand 
your  scruples.  Even  if  a  woman  refused  to  be  my 
wife  I  should  be  none  the  less  friendly,  unless  she 
had  trifled  with  me.  To  my  man's  reason  a  natural 
tie  does  not  count  for  so  much  as  the  years  we 
spent  together.  I  remember  what  you  were  to  me 
then,  and  what  I  seemed  to  you.  I  tried  to  keep  up 
the  old  feehng  by  correspondence.  The  West  is  a 
\\orld  of  wonders,  and  you  have  come  from  it  the 
greatest  wonder  of  all." 

I  hope  I  shall  not  prove  to  you  a  monstrosity, 
(/niydon.  I  will  try  not  to  be  one  if  you  will  give 
me  a  chance." 

"  Oh  no,  indeed  ;  you  promise  to  be  one  of  the 
most  charming  young  ladies  I  ever  met." 


132  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   IVOOING. 

\  don't  promise  anything  of  the  kind,"  she  re 
plied,  with  a  laugh  that  was  chiefly  the  expression 
of  her  intense  nervous  tension.  It  jarred  upon  his 
feelings,  and  confirmed  him  in  the  belief  that  their 
long  separation  had  broken  up  their  old  relations 
completely,  and  that  she,  in  the  new  career  which 
her  beauty  opened  before  her,  wished  for  no  em 
barrassing  relations  of  any  kind. 

'  Well,"  he  said,  with  an  answering  laugh,  "  I 
suppose  I  must  take  you  for  what  you  are  and  pro 
pose  to  be,  -  that  is,  if  1  ever  find  out." 

In  a  few  moments  more,  after  some  light  badinage, 
he  left  her  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muir  on  the  piazza, 
and  went  to  claim  his  waltz  with  Miss  Wildmere. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

"  I    FEAR   I    SHALL   FAIL. " 

THE  band  had  been  discoursing  lively  strains 
for  some  time,  and  Miss  Wildmcre  had  at  last 
dragged  her  mother  down  for  a  chaperon — the  only 
available  one  as  yet.  The  anxious  mother  was 
eager  to  return  to  her  fretting  child,  and  her 
daughter  was  much  inclined  to  resent  Graydon's 
prolonged  absence.  If  it  were  politic,  and  I  had 
other  acquaintances,  I  would  punish  him,"  she 
thought.  It  was  a  new  experience  for  her  to  sit  in 
a  corner  of  the  parlor,  apparently  neglected,  while 
others  were  dancing.  There  were  plenty  who  looked 
wistfully  toward  her  ;  but  there  was  no  one  to  in 
troduce  her,  and  Graydon's  absence  left  the  ice  un- 
brok(  i. 

She  ignored  the  inevitable  isolation  of  a  new 
comer,  however,  and  when  he  appeared  shook  her 
linger  at  him  as  she  said,  "  Here  I  am,  constancy 
itself,  waiting  to  give  you  my  first  dance,  as  I  prom- 


I  shall  try  to  prove  worthy,"  he  said,  earnestly. 
'  You  must  remember,  in    extenuation,  that  I  have 
not  seen  the  ladies  of  our  family  for  a  long  time." 


1 34  -• 

You  use  the  plural,  and  aie  not  at  all  singular 
in  your  prolonged  absence  with  the  charming  Miss 
Alden.  You  certainly  cannot  look  upon  her  as  an 
invalid  any  longer,  however  else  you  may  regard 
her,"  she  added,  with  an  arch  look. 

'  You  shall  now  have  my  entire  regard  as  long  as 
you  will  permit  it. " 

That  will  depend  a  little  upon  yourself.  Mamma 
is  tired,  and  I'm  of  no  account  compared  with  that 
infant  up-stairs  ;  therefore  I  can't  keep  her  as  a 
chaperon  this  evening,  and  I  will  go  to  my  room  as 
soon  as  you  are  tired  of  me." 

"  Not  till  then?" 

Not  unless  I  go  before." 

"  At  some  time,  in  the  indefinite  future,  Mrs. 
Wildmere,  you  may  hope  to  see  your  daughter 
again." 

The  poor  lady  smiled  encouragingly  and  grate- 
full}-.  She  would  be  most  happy  to  have  Graydon 
take  the  brilliant  creature  for  better  or  worse  as  soon 
as  possible.  She  liked  him,  as  did  all  women,  for 
she  saw  that  he  had  a  large,  kindly  nature.  She 
no\v  stole  meekly  away,  while  he  with  his  fair  part 
ner  glided  out  upon  the  floor.  All  eyes  fol  owed 
them,  and  even  the  veterans  of  society  remarked 
that  they  had  never  seen  more  graceful  dancing. 

From  her  seat  on  the  piazza  Madge  also  watched 
the  couple.  The  struggle  to  which  she  had  looked 
forward  so  long  had  indeed  begun,  and  most  in- 
auspiciously.  Her  rival  had  every  advantage.  The 
mood  in  which  Graydon  had  returned  predisposed 
him  to  prompt  action,  while  she  had  lost  her  influ- 


"/   FEAR    I    SI/AIJ.    FAIL"  135 

once  for  the  present  by  a  CQurse  that  seemed  to  him 
so  unnatural  as  to  be  prudish.  Miss  Wildmcrc's 
manner  gave  all  the  encouragement  that  a  man 
could  wish  for,  and  it  \vas  hard  to  view  with  charity 
the  smiling,  triumphant  belle.  Madge  suddenly 
became  conscious  that  Mr.  Muir  was  observing  her, 
and  she  remarked,  quietly  :  "I  never  saw  better 
dancing  than  that.  It's  grace  itself.  Miss  Wild- 
mere  waltr.es  superbly." 

''Not  better  than  you,  Miss  Alden,"  said  Mr. 
Henderson,  a  young  man  who  prided  himself  on  his 
skill  in  the  accomplishment  under  consideration, 
and  with  whom  she  had  danced  several  times. 
'  I've  been  looking  for  you,  in  the  hope  that  you 
would  favor  me  this  evening." 

She  rose  and  passed  with  him  through  the  open 
window.  The  waltz  was  drawing  to  a  close  ;  the 
majority  had  grown  weary  and  sat  down  ;  and  soon 
Madge  and  Miss  Wildmerc  were  the  only  ladies  on 
the  floor.  Opinion  was  divided,  some  declaring 
1  hat  the  former  was  the  more  graceful  and  lovely, 
while  perhaps  a  larger  number  gave  their  verdict  for 
the  latter. 

The  strains  ceased,  and  left  the  couples  near 
each  other.  Graydon  immediately  introduced  Miss 
Wildmere.  The  girls  bowed  a  little  too  profoundly 
t  >  indicate  cordiality.  Madge  also  presented  Mr. 
Henderson,  hoping  that  he  might  become  a  partner 
for  Miss  Wildmere,  and  give  Gray  don  an  oppor 
tunity  to  dance  with  her.  He  resolved  to  break  the 
ice  at  once  so  far  as  his  relatives  were  concerned, 
and  he  conducted  Miss  Wildmere  to  Mrs.  Muir  and 


136  A    YOUNG   GJA'L'S   IVOOING. 

gave  licr  a  seat  beside  that  lady.  The  girl  of  his 
choice  should  have  not  only  a  gallant  for  the  even 
ing,  but  also  a  chaperon.  He  was  not  one  to  enter 
on  timid,  half-way  measures  ;  and  he  determined 
that  his  brother's  prejudice  should  count  for  noth 
ing  in  this  case.  His  preference  was  entitled  to  re 
spect,  and  must  be  respected.  Of  course  the  group 
chatted  courteously,  as  well-bred  people  do  in  pub 
lie,  but  Miss  \Vildmere  felt  that  the  atmosphere 
was  chill}-.  She  was  much  too  politic  to  permit 
the  slightest  tinge  of  coldness  in  her  manner  tow 
ard  those  with  whom  she  meditated  such  close  re 
lations  should  the  barring  "  if  "  melt  out  of  the 
way. 

The  people  were  forming  for  the  lancers,  and 
Mr.  Henderson  asked  Madge  to  help  make  up  a 
set.  She  complied  without  hesitation.  Nor  was 
she  unmindful  of  the  fact  that  Graydon  sat  in  a 
position  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  floor.  He- 
had  seen  her  glide  out  in  the  waltz  with  a  grace 
second  only  to  that  of  Miss  Wildmere,  even  in  his 
prejudiced  eyes.  Now  he  again  observed  her  curi 
ously,  and  his  disappointment  and  bitterness  at 
heart  increased,  even  while  she  compelled  his  won 
dering  admiration.  He  saw  that,  though  she  lacked 
Miss  Wildmere's  conventional  finish,  she  had  a 
natural  grace  of  her  own.  He  admitted  that  he  had 
never  seen  so  perfect  a  physical  embodiment  of 
womanhood.  She  was  slightly  taller  than  her  rival 
in  his  thoughts,  and  her  costume  gave  an  impres 
sion  of  additional  height.  Apparently  she  was  in 
the  best  of  spirits,  laughing  often  with  her  partner 


"/  PEAK    T   SHALL    FAIL:1  137 

and  an  elderly  gentleman  who  danced  opposite 
to  her,  and  who  was  full  of  old-time  flourishes 
and  jollity.  At  last  Grayclon  thought,  resentfully, 
"  She  is  indeed  changed.  That's  the  style  of  life 
she  is  looking  forward  to,  and  she  wishes  no  em 
barrassment  or  advice  from  me.  That  dancing-jack, 
Henderson,  and  others  of  his  sort  are  to  be  her 
friends  '  also,  no  doubt.  Very  well,  I  know  how 
to  console  myself  ;"  and  he  turned  his  eyes  reso 
lutely  to  Miss  Wildmcre. 

In  the  galop  that  followed  he  naturally  danced 
\vith  his  quondam  sister,  and  Mr.  Henderson  with 
Miss  \Vildmere.  Graydon  was  the  last  one  to  show 
feeling  .in  public  or  do  anything  to  cause  remark. 
Now  that  Madge  possessed  in  her  partner  the  same 
advantage  that  Miss  Wildmere  had  enjoyed,  the 
admiring  lookers-on  were  at  a  loss  to  decide  which 
of  the  two  girls  bore  the  palm  ;  and  Graydon  ac 
knowledged  that  the  former  invalid's  step  had  a 
lightness  and  an  elasticity  which  he  had  never 
known  to  be  surpassed,  and  that  she  kept  time  with 
him  as  if  his  volition  were  hers.  She  showed  no 
•u'gn  of  weariness,  even  after  he  began  to  grow 
fatigued.  As  he  danced  he  remembered  how  he 
had  carried  "  the  little  ghost"  on  his  arm,  then 
tossed  her,  breathless  from  scarce  an  effort,  on  the 
lounge,  whence  she  looked  at  him  in  laughing  affec 
tion.  This  strong,  superb  creature  was  indeed 
another  and  an  alien  being,  and  needed  no  aid  from 
him.  Before  he  was  conscious  of  flagging  in  his 
;  tep,  she  said,  quietly,  "You  are  growing  tired, 
Graydon.  Suppose  we  return  to  the  pia/./a." 


138  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

'Yes,"  he  said,  a  trifle  bitterly,  "you  are  the 
stronger  now.  The  '  little  ghost  '  has  vanished 
utterly." 

"  A  woman  is  better  than  a  ghost,"  was  her  reply. 

He  and  Miss  Wild  mere  strolled  away  down  the 
same  path  on  which  Madge  had  told  him  that  she 
could  not  be  his  sister.  Mr.  Muir  was  tired,  and 
went  to  his  room  in  no  very  amiable  humor.  Mrs. 
Muir  waited  for  Graydon's  return,  feeling  that, 
although  the  office  of  chaperon  had  in  a  sense  been 
forced  upon  her,  she  could  not  depart  without  see 
ing  Miss  Wildmere  again.  The  young  lady  at  last 
appeared,  and,  believing  that  she  had  made  all  the 
points  she  cared  for  that  night,  did  not  tax  Mrs. 
Muir's  patience  beyond  a  few  moments.  While  she 
lingered  she  looked  curiously  at  Madge,  who  was 
going  through  a  Virginia  reel  as  if  she  fully  shared 
in  the  decided  and  almost  romping  spirit  with  which 
it  was  danced.  She  was  uncertain  whether  or  not 
she  saw  a  possible  rival  in  Graydon's  thoughts,  but 
she  knew  well  that  she  had  found  a  competitor  for 
sovereignty  in  all  social  circles  where  they  might 
appear  together.  This  fact  in  itself  was  sufficient 
to  secure  the  arrogant  girl's  ill-will  and  jealousy.  A 
scarcely  perceptible  smile,  that  boded  no  good  for 
poor  Madge,  passed  over  her  face,  and  then  she 
took  a  cordial  leave  of  Graydon,  and  retired  with 
Mrs.  Muir. 

He  remained  at  the  window  watching,  with  a 
satirical  smile,  the  scene  within.  People  of  almost 
every  age,  from  elderly  men  and  matrons  clown  to 
boys  and  girls,  were  participating  in  the  old-fash- 


"/  FEAR   I   SHALL   FAIL."  139 

ioned  dance.  The  air  was  resonant  with  laughter 
and  music.  In  the  rollicking  fun  Madge  appeared 
to  have  found  her  element.  No  step  was  lighter  or 
quicker  than  hers,  and  merriment  rippled  away  be 
fore  her  as  if  she  were  the  genius  of  mirth.  Her 
dark  eyes  were  singularly  brilliant,  and  burned  as 
with  a  suppressed  excitement. 

She  is  bound  to  have  her  fling  like  the  rest,  I 
suppose,"  he  muttered  ;  "  and  that  romp  is  more  to 
her  than  the  offer  of  a  brother's  love  and  help— -an 
offer  half  forgotten  already,  no  doubt.  Yet  she 
pu/./.les  one.  She  never  was  a  weak  girl  mentally. 
She  was  always  a  little  odd,  and  now  she  is 
decidedly  so.  Well,  I  will  let  her  gang  her  ain 
gate,  and  1  shall  go  mine." 

He  little  dreamed  that  she  was  seeking  weariness, 
action  that  would  exhaust,  and  that  the  expression 
of  her^eyes,  so  far  from  being  caused  by  excitement, 
was  produced  by  feelings  deeper  than  he  had  ever 
known.  When  the  music  ceased  he  sauntered  up 
and  told  her  that  her  sister  had  retired. 

I  had  better  follow  her  example,"  she  said. 
'  Would  you  not  like  a  brief  stroll  on  the  pia/.za  ? 
After  exertions   that,    in    you,    seem    almost  super 
human,  you  must  be  warm." 

Why  more  superhuman  in  me  than  in  others?" 
"  Simply   because   of  my   old   and     preconceived 
r.otions. " 

I  fear  I  am  disappointing  you  in  ever}'  respect. 
I  had  hoped  to  give  you  pleasure." 

Oh  well,  Madge,  I  see  \ve  must  let  the  past  go 
and  beLMii  as/ain. ' 


140  A    YOLr.YG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

"  Begin  fairly,  then,  and  not  in  prejudice." 

Does  it  matter  very  much  to  you  how    I  be 
gin?" 

"  I  shall  not  answer  such   questions." 

'  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  can  enjoy  yourself  so 
thoroughly.  You  can  now  look  forward  to  a  long 
career  of  happiness,  Madge,  since  you  can  obtain  so 
much  from  a  reel." 

'  You  do  not  know  what  I  am  looking  forward 
to." 

"Why?" 

"  Because  you  are  not  acquainted  with  me." 

"  I  thought  I  was  at  one  time." 

I  became  discontented  with  that  time,  and  have 
tried  to  be  different." 

"  And  you  must  have  succeeded  beyond  your 
wildest  dreams." 

"  Oh  no,  I've  only  made  a  beginning.  I  should 
be  conceit  embodied  if  I  thought  myself  finished." 

'  What  is  your  supreme  ambition,  then  ?" 

"  I  am  trying  to  be  a  woman,  Graydon.  There, 
I'm  cool  now.  Good-night." 

'  Very  cool,  Madge." 

He  lighted  a  cigar  and  continued  his  walk,  more 
perturbed  than  he  cared  to  admit  even  to  himself. 
Indeed,  he  found  that  he  was  decidedly  annoyed, 
and  there  seemed  no  earthly  reason  why  there 
should  have  been  any  occasion  for  such  vexation. 
Of  course  he  was  glad  that  Madge  had  become 
strong  and  beautiful.  This  would  have  added  a 
complete  charm  to  their  old  relations.  Why  must 
she  also  become  a  mystery,  or,  rather,  seek  to  ap- 


"/    FEAR    I   SHALL    FAIL."  141 

pear  one  ?  Well,  there  was  no  necessity  for  solving 
the  mystery,  granting  its  existence.  '  Possibly 
she  would  prefer  a  flirtation  to  fraternal  regard  : 
possibly-  Oh,  confound  it  !  I  don't  know  what 
to  think,  and  don't  much  care.  She  is  trying  to  be 
come  a  woman  '  Who  can  fathom  some  women's 
whims  and  fancies  ?  She  thinks  her  immature 
ideas,  imbibed  in  an  out-of-the-way  corner  of  the 
world,  the  immutable  laws  of  nature.  Of  one  thing 
at  least  she  is  absolutely  certain — she  can  get  on 
without  me.  I  must  be  kept  at  too  great  a  dis 
tance  to  be  officious." 

This  point  settled,  his  own  course  became  clear. 
1  le  would  be  courtesy  itself  and  mind  his  own 
business. 

I  fear  I  shall  fail,"  murmured  poor  Madge, 
hiding  her  face  in  her  pillow,  while  suppressed  sobs 
shook  her  frame. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

THE    PROMPTINGS    OF    MISS    ^ILDMKKE'S    1 1  FART. 

GRAYDON  slept  very  late  the  following  morn 
ing.  He  found  out  that  he  was  tired,  and  re 
solved  to  indulge  his  craving  for  rest  so  far  as  his 
suit  to  Miss  Wildmcrc  would  permit.  When  he 
could  do  nothing  to  promote  his  advantage  he  pro 
posed  to  be  indolence  itself.  He  found  that  his 
vexation  had  quite  vanished,  and,  in  cynical  good 
nature,  he  was  inclined  to  laugh  at  the  state  of 
affairs.  "Let  Madge  indulge  her  whims,"  he 
thought  ;  "  I  may  be  the  more  free  to  pursue  my 
purposes.  Her  sister,  of  course,  shares  in  Henry's 
prejudices  against  the  Wildmercs,  and  they  would 
influence  Madge  adversely.  All  handsome  girls  arc 
jealous  of  each  other,  and,  perhaps,  if  what  I  had  so 
naturally  hoped  and  expected  had  proved  true,  I 
should  have  had  more  sisterly  counsel  and  opposi 
tion  than  would  have  been  agreeable.  Objections 
now  would  be  in  poor  taste,  to  say  the  least.  If 
I'm  not  much  mistaken  I  can  speak  my  mind  to 
Stella  Wildmcre  before  many  days  pass  ;  and. 
woman-nature  being  such  as  it  is,  it  may  be  just  as 
well  that  I  am  not  too  intimate  with  a  sister  who, 


PROMPTINGS  OF  MISS    IVILDMERE'S  HEART.      143 

after  all,  is  not  my  sister.  Stella  might  not  see  it  in 
the  light  that  I  should  ;"  and  so  he  came  down  at 
last,  prepared  to  adapt  himself  very  philosophically 
to  the  new  order  of  things. 

1  The  world  moves  and  changes,"  he  soliloquized, 
smilingly,  "  and  we  must  move  on  and  change  with 
it." 

He  found  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muir,  with  Madge  and 
the  children,  ready  for  church,  and  told  them, 
laughingly,  to  "  remember  him  if  they  did  not  think 
him  past  praying  for."  During  his  breakfast  he  re 
called  the  fact  that  Madge  was  uncommonly  well 
dressed.  "  She  hasn't  in  externals,"  he  thought, 
"  the  provincial  air  that  one  might  expect,  although 
her  ideas  are  not  only  provincial,  but  prim,  obtained, 
iii  i  doubt,  from  some  goody-good  books  that  she  has 
read  in  the  remote  region  wherein  she  has  developed 
so  remarkably.  She  has  some  stilted  ideal  of 
womanhood  which  she  is  seeking  to  attain,  and  the 

o 

more  unnatural  the  ideal,  the  more  attractive,  no 
doubt,  it  appears  to  her." 

It  did  not  occur  to  him  that  he  was  explaining 
Madge  on  more  theories  than  one,  and  that  they 
were  not  exactly  harmonious.  Having  finished  his 
meal,  he  sought  for  Miss  Wildmere,  and  soon  found 
h< T  in  a  shady  corner,  reading  a  light,  semi-philo 
sophical  work,  thus  distinguishing  and  honoring  the 
day  in  her  choice  of  literature.  lie  proposed  to 
re  id  to  her,  but  the  book  was  soon  forgotten  in 
animated  talk  on  his  part.  She  could  skilfully  play 
the  role  of  a  good  listener  when  she  chose,  and  could, 
therefore,  be  a  delightful  companion.  Her  color 


T44  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   U'O(U.\'G. 

came  and  \vcnt  under  words  and  compliments  that 
at  times  were  rather  ardent  and  pronounced.  He 
soon  observed,  however,  that  she  led  the  way 
promptly  from  delicate  ground.  This  might  result 
from  maidenly  reserve  or  from  the  fact  that  she  was 
not  quite  ready  for  decisive  words.  He  still  be 
lieved  that  he  had  all  needed  encouragement — that 
the  expression  of  her  eyes  often  answered  his,  and 
he  knew  well  what  his  meant.  When,  in  response 
to  his  invitation,  she  promised  to  drive  with  him 
in  the  afternoon,  all  seemed  to  be  going  as  he 

o  o 

wished. 

Graydon  felt  that  during  dinner  and  thereafter 
for  a  time  he  should  be  devoted  to  his  party,  to 
preclude  criticism  on  his  course  in  the  late  afternoon 
and  in  the  evening,  when  he  proposed  to  seek 
society  which  promised  more  than  theirs.  He  be 
gan  to  discover  that,  except  as  her  intelligence  was 
larger,  in  one  respect  Madge  had  not  changed  from 
her  old  self.  She  responded  appreciatively  to  his 
thought  and  fancy,  and  gave  him  back  in  kind  with 
interest.  She  began  to  question  him  about  a  place 
in  Europe  with  which  he  was  familiar,  and  showed 
such  unusual  knowledge  of  the  locality  that  he 
asked,  "  You  haven't  slipped  over  there  unknown 
to  me,  I  trust  ?" 

'  You  might  think  of  an  easier  explanation  than 
that.  You  kindly  sent  me  books,  some  of  which 
were  rather  realistic." 

Did  you  read  them  all  ?" 

"  Certainly.  It  would  have  been  a  poor  return  if 
I  had  not.' 


PROMPTINGS  OF  MISS   WILDMERE S  HEART.     145 

'  What   an   inordinate   sense  of    duty    you    must 
have  had  !" 

"  I  did  not  read  them  from  a  sense  of  duty.      You 
have  perhaps  forgotten  that  I  am  fond  of  books." 
"  Not  all  of  the  books  were  novels." 
"  Many  that  were  not  proved   the  most  interest- 
i  nb. 

"  Oh,  indeed  ;  another  evidence  of  change,"  he 
said,  laughing. 

"  And  of  sense,  too,  I  think.  Mr.  Wayland,  who 
is  a  student,  had  a  splendid  library,  and  he  gave  me 
some  ideas  as  to  reading." 

"  Can  you  part  with  any  of  them  ?" 
"That   depends,"  she  replied,  with  a  manner  as 
brusque  as  his  own. 
"  On  what  ?" 

'  The    inducements   and     natural     opportunities. 
I'm  not  going  to  recite  a  lesson  like  a  school-girl." 
"  One  would  think  you  had  been  to  school." 
'  I    have,    where    much     is    taught    and    learned 
thoroughly. " 

"  Now,  that  is  enigmatical  again." 

The  best  of  the  books  you  sent  me  left  some 
loom  for  the  imagination." 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  Madge!  you  are  scoring  points 
light  along.  I  told  you,  Graydon,  that  you 
MKildn't  understand  her  in  a  moment  or  in  a 
week. 

I  never  regarded  your  imagination  as  rampant, 
Henry.  Have  you  fathomed  all  her  mystery?" 

Far  from  it  ;  nor  do  I  expect  to,  and  yet  you 
will  grant  to  me  some  degree  of  penetration." 


146  A    YOl'NG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

'  Well,  to  think  that  I  should  have  come  home 
to  find  a  sphinx  instead  of  little  Madge  !" 

Thank  you.  A  sphinx  is  usually  portrayed 
with  at  least  the  head  of  a  woman." 

In  this  case  she  has  one  that  would  inspire  a 
Greek  sculptor.  Perhaps  in  time  I  may  discover  a 
heart  also. " 

"  That's  doubtful." 
"  Indeed  ?" 

Yes,  indeed." 

'  What  far-fetched  nonsense  !"  said  Mrs.  Muir, 
sententiously.  "  Madge  has  come  back  one  of  the 
best  and  most  sensible  girls  in  the  world.  Men 
and  poets  are  always  imagining  that  women  are 
mysteries.  The  fact  is,  they  are  as  transparent  as 
glass  Avhen  they  know  their  own  minds  ;  when  they 
don't,  who  else  should  know  them  ?" 

'  Who  indeed  ?"  said  Grayclon,  laughing.  "  Your 
saving  clause,  Mary,  is  as  boundless  as  space." 

How  absurd  !  I  understand  Madge  perfectly, 
and  so  does  Henry. " 

You  said  last  evening  that  the  change  in  her 
was  a  miracle.  Once  in  the  realm  of  the  super 
natural,  what  may  not  one  expect?" 

'  You  knew  what  I  meant.  I  referred  to 
Madge's  health  and  appearance  and  accomplish 
ments  and  all  that.  She  has  not  changed  in  heart 
and  feeling  any  more  than  I  have,  and  I'm  sure  I'm 
not  a  sphinx." 

No,  Mary  ;  you  are  a  sensible  and  excellent 
wife  and  my  very  dear  sister.  You  suggest  no 
mystery.  Madge  certainly  does,  for  you  have,  in 


PROMPTINGS  Or  J/AS\S'   WILDMERE'S  HEART.     147 

addition  to  all  the  rest,  announced  an  indefinite  list 
of  accomplishments. " 

If  I  remain  the  subject  of  conversation  I  shall 
complain  that  your  remarks  are  personal,"  said 
Madge,  her  brows  contracting  with  a  little  vexa 
tion. 

That  is  what  makes  our  talk  so  interesting. 
Personals  arc  always  read  first.  In  drawing  Mary 
and  Henry  out,  I  am  getting  acquainted  with  you." 

It's  not  a  good  way.  You  like  it  merely  be 
cause  it  teases  me  and  saves  trouble.  If  you  must 
gossip  and  surmise  about  me,  wait  till  I'm  absent." 

There,  Madge,  you  know  I'm  nine  tenths  in 
fun,"  said  he,  laughing. 

'  That  leaves  a  small  margin  for  kindly  interest 
in  an  old  acquaintance,  "  was  her  reply  as  they  rose 
from  the  table,  and  he  saw  that  her  feelings  were 
hurt. 

"  Confound  it  !"  he  thought,  with  irritation, 
"  it's  all  so  uncalled-for  and  unnatural  !  Nothing  is 
as  it  used  to  be.  Well,  then,  I'll  talk  about  books 
and  matters  as  impersonal  as  if  we  were  disembodied 
spirits. " 

The}-  had  scarcely  seated  themselves  on  the 
piazza  before  Miss  Wildmcre  came  forward  and  in 
troduced  her  mother.  The  young  lad}'  was  deter 
mined  to  prepare  the  way  for  a  family  party.  Gray- 
don  had  a  confident,  opulent  air,  which  led  to  the 
belief  that  her  father's  fears  were  groundless,  and 
that  before  many  weeks  should  elapse  the  Muirs 
would  have  to  acknowledge  her  openly.  It  would 
save  embarrassment  if  this  came  about  naturally  and 


14$  A    YOUNG   (7/AYAV   WOOING. 

gradually,  and  she  believed  that  she  could  be  so 
charming  as  to  make  them  covet  the  alliance. 
Miss  Aldcn  might  not  like  it,  and  the  more  she  dis 
liked  it  the  better. 

Mrs.  Muir's  thoughts  were  somewhat  akin.  '  If 
Gray  don  will  marry  this  girl,  it's  wise  that  we 
should  begin  on  good  terms.  This  is  a  matter  that 
Henry  can't  control,  and  there's  no  use  in  our  yield 
ing  to  prejudice.  " 

Therefore  she  was  talkative,  courteous,  and 
rapidly  softened  toward  the  people  whom  her  hus 
band  found  so  distasteful.  Graydon  employed  all 
his  skill  and  tact  to  make  the  conversation  general 
and  agreeable,  but  the  cloud  did  not  wholly  pass 
from  Madge's  brow.  From  the  moment  of  her  first 
cold,  curious  stare,  years  since,  Miss  \Vildmere  had 
antagonized  every  fibre  of  the  young  girl's  soul  and 
bod}',  and  she  had  resolved  never  to  be  more  than 
polite  to  her.  She  did  not  look  forward  to  future- 
relationship,  as  was  the  case  with  Mrs.  Muir,  but 
rather  to  entire  separation,  should  Graydon  become 
Miss  \Yilclmcrc's  accepted  suitor.  Now,  with  the 
instinct  of  self-defence,  she  was  more  cordial  to  her 
rival  than  to  Graydon,  until,  at  the  solicitation  of 
the  children,  she  stole  away.  Mr.  Muir  remarked 
that  he  was  going  to  take  a  nap,  and  soon  followed 
her. 

Their  departure  was  a  relief  to  Graydon,  for  it 
rendered  the  carrying  out  of  his  plan  less  embarrass 
ing.  In  his  eagerness  to  be  alone  with  the  object 
of  his  hopes,  he  soon  obtained  a  carriage,  and  with 
Miss  Wildmere  drove  away.  Mrs.  Muir  and  Mrs. 


PROMPTINGS  OJ-    .I//.V.V    //'//.  A>.W/V/-:'.V  fir  ART.      T.J<; 

\Yildmere  compared  maternal  and  domestic  notes 
sometime  longer,  and  then  the  former  went  to  her 
room  quite  reconciled  to  what  now  appeared  inevi 
table. 

'  I  think  you  are  prejudiced,  Henry,"  she  re 
marked  to  her  husband,  who  was  tossing  restlessly 
on  the  bed. 

'  Least  said  soonest  mended,"  was  his  only  re 
sponse,  and  then  he  changed  the  subject. 

Graydon  came  back  with  the  hope — nay,  almost 
the  certainty-  -of  happiness  glowing  in  his  eyes.  lie 
had  spoken  confidently  of  his  business  plans  and 
prospects,  and  had  touched  upon  the  weariness  of 
his  exile  and  his  longing  for  more  satisfactory 
pleasures  than  those  of  general  society.  His  com 
panion  had  listened  with  an  attention  and  interest 
that  promised  more  than  sympathy.  The  wild, 
rugged  scenes  through  which  they  had  passed  had 
made  her  delicate  beauty  more  exquisite  from  con 
trast.  It  was  as  if  a  rare  tropical  bird  had  followed 
the  wake  of  summer  and  graced  for  a  time  a  region 
from  which  it  must  fly  with  the  first  breath  of 
autumn.  In  distinction  from  all  they  saw  and  met 
she  appeared  so  fragile,  such  a  charming  exotic, 
that  he  felt  an  overpowering  impulse  to  cherish  and 
shelter  her  from  every  rude  thing  in  the  world. 
\Yith  a  nice  blending  of  reserve  and  complaisance 
she  appeared  to  yield  to  his  mood  and  yet  to  with 
hold  herself.  To  a  man  of  Graydon 's  poise  and 
knowledge  of  society  such  skilful  tactics  served  their 
purpose  perfectly.  They  gave  her  an  additional 
charm  in  his  eyes,  and  furnished  another  proof  of  the 


150  A    YOU\'G    GIRL'S    Jl'00/A'G. 

fineness  of  her  nature.  She  could  not  only  feel,  but 
manifest  the  nicest  shades  of  preference.  If  not 
fully  satisfied  as  to  her  own  heart,  what  could  be 
more  refined  and  graceful  than  the  slight  restraint 
she  imposed  upon  him  ?  and  how  fine  the  compli 
ment  she  paid  him  in  acting  on  the  belief  that  he 
was  too  well  bred  and  self-controlled  to  precipitate 
matters  ! 

She  has  the  tact  and  intuition  to  see,"  he 
thought,  "  that  she  can  show  me  all  the  regard  she 
feels  and  yet  incur  no  danger  of  premature  and  in 
coherent  words.  She  will  one  day  yield  with  all 
the  quiet  grace  that  she  shows  when  rising  to  accept 
my  invitation  to  waltz." 

Therefore,  as  he  approached  the  hotel  he  was 
complacency  itself  until  he  saw  Mr.  Arnault  on  the 
piazza,  and  then  his  face  darkened  with  the  heaviest 
of  frowns. 

'  Why,    what   is    the   matter  ?"    Miss   Wildmere 
asked. 

I  had  hoped  that  this  perfect  afternoon  might 
be  followed  by  a  more  delightful  evening,  but  from 
the  manner  in  which  that  gentleman  is  approaching 
you,  it  is  evident  that  he  expects  to  claim  you." 

"Claim  me?  I  do  not  think  anyone  has  that 
right  just  yet.  Mr.  Arnault  certainly  has  not." 

Then  I  may  still  hope  for  your  society  this 
evening  ?" 

o 

Have  I  not  permitted  you  to  be  with  me  nearly 
all  day  ?  You  must  be  more  reasonable.  Good- 
evening,  Mr.  Arnault.  Did  you  drop  from  the 
clouds  ?" 


>/••  .1//.V.S-  WILDATERFSS  HEART.    151 

There  are  none,  and  \vcre  there  I  should  forget 
them  in  this  pleasure.  Mr.  Muir,  I  congratulate 
you.  \Ye  have  both  been  on  the  road  this  after 
noon,  but  you  ha\Te  had  the  advantage  of  me." 

And  mean  to  keep  it,  confound  you  !"  thought 
Graydon.  "  Ah,  good-evening,  Mr.  Arnault.  You 
are  right  ;  I  have  found  rough  roads  preferable  to 
smooth  rails  and  a  palace  car." 

I  low  well  you  are  looking,  Miss  Stella!  but 
that's  chronic  with  you.  This  is  perfectly  heaven 
ly"  (looking  directly  into  her  eyes)  "after  the 
heat  of  the  city  and  my  dust}'  journey." 

You  are  a  fine  one  to  talk  about  things 
heavenly  after  fracturing  the  Sabbath-day.  What 
would  have  happened  to  you  in  Connecticut  a  hun 
dred  years  ago  ?" 

I  should  have  been  ridden  on  one  rail  instead 
of  two,  probably.  I'm  more  concerned  about  what 
will  happen  to  me  to-day,  and  that  depends  not  on 
blue  laws,  but  blue  blood.  I  saw  your  father  this 
morning,  and  he  intrusted  me  with  a  letter  for 
you. 

Mr.  Arnault  manifested  not  a  particle  of  jeal 
ous}'  or  apprehension,  and  Gray  don  felt  himself 
shouldered  out  of  the  way  by  a  courtesy  to  which 
he  could  take  no  exception.  lie  saw  that  only 
Miss  \Yildmere  herself  could  check  his  rival's  reso 
lute  and  easy  assurance.  This  he  now  felt  sure 
-die  would  do  if  it  passed  a  certain  point,  and  he  went 
to  his  room,  annoyed  merely,  and  without  solici 
tude.  "  She  must  let  the  fellow  down  easily,  I  sup 
pose,"  he  thought  ;  "  and  after  to-day  I  need  have 


152  A   YOUivr,  GIRL'S 

few  fears.      If    she  had  wanted  ///;//  she    could  have 
taken  him  long  ago." 

Miss  Wildmere  also  went  to  her  room  and  read 
her  father's  letter.  It  contained  these  few  and 
significant  words  :  "In  speaking  of  possible  rela 
tions  with  Mr.  M.  I  emphasized  a  small  but  impor 
tant  word — 'if.'  I  now  commend  it  to  you  still 
more  emphatically.  You  know  I  prefer  Mr.  M. 
Therefore  you  will  do  well  to  heed  my  caution. 
Mr.  M.  may  lose  everything  within  a  brief  time." 

Miss  Wildmere  frowned  and  bit  her  lip  with  vexa 
tion.  Then  her  white  face  took  on  hard,  resolute 
lines.  "  I  came  near  making  a  fool  of  myself  this 
afternoon,"  she  muttered.  '  I  was  more  than  once 
tempted  to  let  Graydon  speak.  Heavens  !  I'd 
like  to  be  engaged  to  him  for  a  while.  Mr.  Arnault 
plays  a  bold,  steady  hand,  but  he's  the  kind  of  man 
that  might  throw  up  the  game  if  one  put  tricks  on 
him.  My  original  policy  is  the  best.  I  must  pit 
one  against  the  other  in  a  fair  and  open  suit  till  I 
can  take  my  choice.  Now  that  it  is  clear  that 
Graydon  cares  little  for  that  hideous  thing  he  calls 
his  sister,  my  plan  is  safe." 

"  What  a  lovely  color  you  have,  Madge  !"  Gray 
don  remarked,  as  they  met  at  supper.  '  You  are 
unequalled  in  your  choice  of  cosmetics." 

"  Not  to  be  surpassed,  at  any  rate." 

"  Where  did  you  get  it  ?" 
'  Up  at  Grand  View." 

"  What,  have  you  climbed  that  mountain  ?" 

"  It's  not  much  of  a  mountain." 

"  It's     a     tremendous     mountain,"     cried     little 


01-'  MISS   WILDMERE' S  HEART.      153 

]  lurry.  "  Aunt  Madge's  been  teaching  us  to  climb, 
and  she  lifted  us  up  and  down  the  steep  pluces  us  if 
we  were  feathers,-  and  she  told  us  stories  about  the 
squirrels  and  birds  \ve  suw  up  there.  Oh,  didn't 
\ve  have  a  lovely  time,  Jennie  ?" 

Now  I  understand,"  said  Gruydon.  '  The  glow 
in  your  face  comes  from  the  consciousness  of  good 
deeds. 

It  comes  from  exertion.  Are  you  not  making 
too  much  effort  to  be  satirical  ?" 

Therefore  my  face  should  be  suffused  with 
the  hue  of  shame.  You  see  I  have  changed  also, 
and  have  become  a  cynic  and  a  heathen  from  long 
residence  in  Europe." 

1'lease  be  a  noble  savage,  then." 
'  That's   not    the    style   of  heathen    they  develop 
abroad. 

Madge  told  us  about  the  savages  that  used  to 
live  in  these  mountains,  and  how  bad  they  were 
treated,"  piped  Jennie. 

Poor  Lo  !  No  wonder  he  went  to  the  bad," 
said  Graydon,  significantly.  '  He  was  never  recog 
nized  as  a  man  and  a  brother." 

And  he  was  unsurpassed  in  retaliation,"  Madge 
added. 

Considering  his  total  depravity  and  general  in 
nocence,  that  was  to  be  expected." 

It  turned  out  to  be   bud  policy." 
"In  so  far  as  he  was  a  man  lie  hadn't  any  policy." 

1  shall  not  depreciate  the  Indians  for  the  sake 
of  argument.  They  rarely  followed  the  wrong  trail, 
however. ' 


154  A    VOL'A'(;    GIRL'S   UTOOIXG, 

What  on  earth  arc  you  and  Madge  driving  at  ?" 
exclaimed  Mrs.  Muir. 

:<  It  matters  little  at  \vhat,  but  Madge  appears  to 
be  the  better  driver,"  chuckled  Mr.  Muir. 

You  have  a  stanch  champion  in  Henry,"  said 
Gray  don. 

"  You  wouldn't  have  him  take  sides  against  a 
woman  ?" 

"Oh  no,  but  you  have  become  so  abundantly 
able  to  take  care  of  yourself  that  he  might  remain 
neutral. 

When  you  all  begin  to  talk  English  again  I'll 
join  in,  and  now  merely  remark  that  I  am  grateful 
to  you,  Madge,  for  taking  care  of  the  children. 
Jack  was  good  with  the  nurse,  too.  and  I've  had  a 
splendid  nap." 

'I'm  evidently  the  delinquent,"  laughed  Gray- 
don,  "  and  have  led  the  way  in  a  conversation  that 
has  been  as  bad  as  whispering  in  company.  What 
will  become  of  me  ?  You  are  not  going  to  church 

o  o 

to-night,  Madge  ?" 

"  I  did  not  expect  to.  If  your  conscience  needs 
soothing — 

"  Oh  no,  no.  My  conscience  has  been  seared 
with  a  hot  iron — a  cold  one,  I  mean.  The  effects 
are  just  the  same.  " 

At  the  supper-room  door  they  were  met  by  Dr. 
Sommers,  with  a  world  of  comical  trouble  in  his  face, 
and  he  drew  Madge  aside. 

"What's  a  man  to  do?"  he  began.  "Here's 
our  choir-leader  sick,  and  the  rest  won't  chirp  with 
out  him.  I  can't  sing  any  more  than  I  can  dance. 


PROMPTINGS  OF  MISS  IVILDMERE'S  HEART.     155 

Vou  can — sing,  I  mean— both,  for  that  matter.  I'd 
give  the  best  cast  of  a  fly  I  ever  had  to  take  you  out 
in  a  reel.  Well,  here's  the  trouble.  It's  nearly 
meeting-time,  and  what's  a  meeting  without  music  ? 
You  can  sing, — I'm  sure  you  can.  I've  heard  you 
twice  in  the  chapel.  Xow,  it  isn't  imposing  on 
good-nature,  is  it,  to  ask  you  to  come  over  and  start 
the  tunes  for  us  to-night  ?  Come  now,  go  with  me. 
It  will  be  a  great  favor,  and  I'll  get  even  with  you 
before  the  summer  is  over." 

Madge  hesitated  a  moment.  She  had  hoped  for 
a  chat  with  (iraydon  that  evening,  which  might  lead 
to  a  better  understanding,  and  end  their  tendency 
to  rather  thorny  badinage.  But  she  heard  him 
chatting  gayly  with  "Miss  Wildmere  and  Air. 
Arnault  in  the  distance  ;  therefore  she  said,  quietly, 

It  is  time  for  me  to  get  even  with  you  first.  To 
refuse  would  not  be  nice  after  the  lovely  drive  you 
took  us  the  other  day.'' 

Oh,  you  made  that  square  as  you  went  along. 
\Yell  now,  this  is  famous.  What  a  meeting  we'll 
have  !" 

You  explain  to  Mrs.  Aluir,  and  I'll  get  my 
hat." 

I'm  in  luck,"  the  doctor  began,  joining  the 
M  uirs  on  the  pia/./a. 

"  Of  course  you  are.  Vou  are  always  in  luck," 
said  Mrs.  Aluir. 

"  (  )h  no,  oh  no.  Draw  it  milderthan  that.  I've 
fished  many  a  bad  day.  I'm  in  luck  to-night. 
What  do  you  think  ?  You  can't  guess." 

'  Vou  and  Madge   had  your  heads  together,  and 


156  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOIXG. 

so  something  will  happen.      Are  you  going  to  capt 
ure  a  mountain  ?" 

'  Yes,  a  brace  of  'em  before  long.  Well,  as 
good  luck  would  have  it,  our  choir-leader  is  sick. 
I  thought  it  was  bad  luck  at  first,  and  meant  to 
give  him  an  awful  dose  for  being  so  inopportune. 
It  has  turned  out  famously.  '  All  things  work  to 
gether  for  good,'  you  know.  That  text  required 
faith  once  when  I  had  hooked  a  three-pound  trout, 
and  in  my  eagerness  tumbled  in  where  the  fish  was. 
Oh,  here  you  arc,  Miss  Alden.  We'll  go  right 
along,  for  it's  about  time. " 

;>  But  you  haven't  explained,"  cried  Mrs.  Muir. 
'  We  will  when  \ve  come  back,"  said  the  doctor. 

"  Oh,  I'm  merely  going  over  to  the  chapel  to 
help  the  doctor  out  with  the  singing,"  said  Madge, 
carelessly.  ' '  Good-by. 

'  Well,"  remarked  Mr.  Muir,  sotto  voce,  "  if  I 
were  a  young  fellow,  there's  a  trail  I'd  follow,  and 
not  that  will-o'-the-wisp  yonder." 

"  What  clicl  you  say,  Henry  ?"   asked  his  wife. 

It  will  be  hot  in    town    to-morrow,  Mary.      It's 
growing  confoundedly  hot  in  \Vall  Street." 
Nothing  serious,  Henry?" 
It's  always  serious  there." 

"  Oh,  well,  you'll  come  out  all  right.  It's  a  way 
you  have. " 

Mr.  Muir  looked  grim  and  troubled,  but  the 
piazza  was  dusky.  "  She  can't  help  me,"  he 
thought,  "  and  if  she  was  worrying  she  might  hin 
der  me.  Things  are  no  worse,  and  they  may  soon 
be  better.  If  I  had  fifty  thousand  for  a  month, 


S  OF  MISS   WI1  DMER&S  IIF.AKT.      157 

though,  the  strain  \vould  be  over.  She'd  be  nag 
ging  me  to  take  a  lot  of  her  money,  and  I'd  see  Wall 
Street  sunk  first.  Well,  well,  Wildmere  and  I  may 
land  together  in  the  same  ditch." 

For  a  few  moments  Graydon  and  Mr.  Arnault  sat 
on  cither  side  of  the  broker's  daughter,  each  seek 
ing  the  advantage.  The  young  lady  enjoyed  the 
situation  immensely,  and  for  a  time  had  the  art  to 
entertain  both.  Arnault  at  last  boldly  and  frankly 
took  the  initiative,  saying,  "  Please  take  a  walk  with 
me,  Miss  Wildmere.  I  have  come  all  the  way  from 
New  York  for  the  pleasure  of  an  evening  in  your 
society.  You  will  excuse  us,  Mr.  Muir.  You  have 
had  to  day  and  will  have  to-morrow,  for  I  must  take 
an  early  train. " 

Miss  Wildmerc  laughed,  and  said,  "  I  must  go 
with  you  surely,  or  you  will  think  you  have  made 
a  bad  '  put  '  in  railroad  tickets,  as  well  as  shares, 
for  you  are  like  the  rest,  I  suppose  ;"  and  with  a 
smiling  glance  backward  at  Graydon  she  disap 
peared. 

'  You  are    mistaken,"  he  said  ;    "  we  foresaw  this 
squeeze  '  in  the  market,  and  have  money  to  lend  if 
the     security     is    ample.      We     were     never    doing 
better." 

Poor  papa  !"  she  sighed,  "  his  securities  are 
lacking,  I  suppose.  He  does  not  write  very  cheer 
fully." 

Ilis  security  is  the  best  in  the  city,  in  my  esti 
mation.  I'd  take  this  little  hand  in  preference  to 
government  bonds." 

"  Oh,  don't  lend  papa  anything  on  that  basis,  for 


158  A  YOUX< 

you  would  surely  manage  to  claim   the  collateral,  or 
whatever  you  call  it  in  your  Wall  Street  jargon." 

'  You  are   infinitely  better  off  than   the   majority 
in  these  hard  times." 
How  so  ?" 

By  one  word  you  can  make  three  rich,  yourself 
included.  Your  father  only  needs  to  be  tided  over 
a  few  months. " 

"  Come,  come,  Mr.  Arnault,  this  is  Sunday,  and 
you  must  not  talk  business." 

My  fault  leans  to  virtue's  side  for  once." 
I'm  not  just  sure  to    which   side   it   leans,"  was 
her  laughing  reply. 

"  Are  you  going  to  accept  Muir  ?" 

I'm  not   going  to  accept  any  one  at  present,— 
certainly  not  Mr.  Muir  before  he  asks  me." 
He  will  ask  you." 

Has  he  taken  you  into  his  confidence  ?" 
Oh,  he's  as  patent  as  a  country  borrower." 
Mr.  Arnault,  we  must  change  the  subject  ;   such 
questions  and  remarks  are  not  in  good   taste,  to  say 
the  least.      I  appreciate  your  friendship,  but  it  does 
not   give  you  the   right   to   forget   that    I  am   a    free 
girl,  or  to  ignore  my  assurance  that  I  propose  to  re 
main  free  for  the  present." 

'  That  is  all  the  assurance  that  I  require  just- 
now, "he  answered.  '  I  have  been  a  frank,  devoted 
suitor,  Stella.  If  you  do  not  act  precipitately  you 
will  act  wisely  in  the  end.  I  shall  not  be  guilt}'  of 
the  folly  of  depreciating  Muir,— -he's  a  good  fellow 
in  his  way, ---but  you  will  soon  be  convinced  that  you 
cannot  afford  to  many  him." 


rROMP'l'IXGS  Oh'  .I//.V.V    IVILDMEKE'S  lit-. ART.      159 

1  think  I  can  afford  not  to  many  any  one  until 
my  heart  prompts  me  to  the  act,"  she  replied,  \vith 
well-assumed  dignity.  Her  swift  thought  was, 

He  also  knows  that  the  Muirs  arc  embarrassed. 
I  low  is  it  that  Graydon  speaks  and  acts  in  the 
assured  confidence  of  continued  wealth  ?  Is  he 
deceiving  me  ?" 

Mr.  Arnault  changed  the  subject,  and  none  could 
do  this  with  more  adroitness  than  he,  or  be  a  more 
entertaining  gallant  if  he  so  chose.  At  the  same- 
time  he  maintained  a  subtle  observance,  in  spite  of 
his  vaunted  frankness,  and  he  soon  believed  he  had 
reason  to  hope  that  Miss  Wildmere  had  been  influ 
enced  by  his  words.  Almost  imperceptibly  she  per 
mitted  additional  favor  to  come  into  her  manner, 
and  when  she  said  good-night  and  good-by  also,  in 
view  of  his  early  start  for  the  city,  it  was  at  the  foot 
of  the  stairway,  she  casually  remarking  that  she 
would  not  come  down  again. 

"My  brief  visit  has  not  been  in  vain,"  he 
thought.  '  I  have  delayed  matters,  and  that  now 
means  a  great  deal.  She  will  many  the  survivor  of 
tin's  financial  gale,  and  in  every  man's  philosophy 
the  survival  of  the  fittest  is  always  the  survival  of 
the  eo." 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

"YOU    WILL    BK    DISAPPOINTED." 

GRAYDON  felt  that  it  was  scarcely  possible  to 
resent  Mr.  Arnault's  tactics  or  to  blame  Miss 
VVildmere.  The  former  certainly  had  as  good  a 
right  to  be  a  suitor  as  himself,  and  even  to  his 
prejudiced  mind  it  would  have  been  ungracious  in 
the  lady  had  she  not  given  some  reward  for  his 
rival's  long  journey.  It  was  natural  that  Mr. 
Arnault,  an  old  friend  of  the  Wildmeres,  should  sit 
at  their  table  and  receive  the  consideration  that  he 
enjoyed.  Graydon  had  little  cause  for  complaint  or 
vexation,  since  his  rival  would  depart  in  the  morn 
ing,  and,  judging  from  to-day,  his  own  suit  was  ap 
proaching  a  successful  termination.  The  coast 
would  be  clear  on  the  morrow,  and  he  determined 
to  make  the  most  of  opportunities.  lie  now  even 
regretted  that  Madge  and  his  relatives  were  at  the 
house,  for  in  some  degree  they  trammelled  his 
movements  by  a  watchful  attention,  which  he  be 
lieved  was  not  very  friendly.  It  would  not  be  well 
to  ignore  them  beyond  a  certain  point,  for  it  was  his 
wish  to  carry  out  his  purposes  with  the  least  possible 
friction.  Madge's  course  had  compelled  a  revision 


"YOU   ll'/I.L    BE   DISAPPOINTED"  161 

of  his  plans  and  expectations,  but  his  intimate  rela 
tions  with  his  brother  in  business  made  harmony 
and  peace  very  essential.  lie  felt  keenly,  however, 
the  spur  of  Mr.  Arnault's  open  and  aggressive 
rivalry,  and  determined  to  enter  upon  an  equally 
vigorous  campaign. 

Having  reached  this  definite  conclusion,  he  joined 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muir  on  the  pia/./.a,  and  after  some 
desultory  talk  asked,  "  Where  is  Madge  ?" 

'  Mrs.  Muir  explained,  adding,  "  I  think  you 
might  go  over  to  the  chapel  and  accompany  her 
home. " 

I'll    be    there    by  the    time    service  is    over,"  he 
replied. 

There  was  sacred  music  in  the  hotel  parlor,  but  it 
seemed  to  him  neither  very  sacred  nor  very  attrac 
tive.  Then  he  strolled  toward  the  chapel.  As  the 
service  was  not  over,  he  stood  and  watched  the  great 
moonlit  mountains,  with  their  light  and  shade. 
The  scene  and  hour  fostered  the  feelings  to  which 
he  had  given  himself  up.  In  revery  he  went  over 
the  hours  he  had  spent  with  Miss  Wildmere  since 
liis  return,  and  hope  grew  strong.  In  view  of  it  all 
-and  vividly  his  memory  retained  everything,  even 
to  the  droop  of  her  eyelids  or  the  tone  in  which 
some  ordinary  words  had  been  spoken-  -there  could 
scarcely  be  a  doubtful  conclusion.  Thoughts  of 
him  had  kept  her  free,  and  now  that  the}'  had  met 
igain  she  was  seeking  to  discover  if  her  old  impres 
sions  had  been  true,  and  in  their  confirmation  was 
surely  yielding  to  his  suit. 

lie   started.      Through    the    open  windows   of  the 


I  6  2 

adjacent  chapel  came  the  opening  notes  of  a  hymn, 
sung  with  a  sweetness  and  power  that  in  the  still 
summer  night  seemed  almost  divine.  Then  other 
voices  joined,  and  partially  obscured  the  melody  ; 
but  above  all  floated  a  voice  that  to  his  trained  ear 
had  some  of  the  rarest  qualities  of  music. 

That's  Madge,"  he  muttered,  and  strode 
rapidly  to  the  door.  Again,  in  the  second  stanza, 
the  rich,  pure  voice  thrilled  his  every  nerve,  gaining 
rather  than  losing  in  its  effect  by  his  approach. 

Unconsciously  the  poor  girl  had  yielded  to  the 
old  habit  of  self-expression  in  music.  Her  heart 
had  been  heavy,  and  now  was  sad  indeed.  Earthly 
hope  had  been  growing  dim,  but  the  words  of  faith 
she  had  heard  had  not  been  without  sustaining  in 
fluence.  With  the  deep  longing  of  her  woman's 
nature  for  love, — divine  love,  if  earthly  love  must  be 
denied, — her  voice  in  its  pathos  was  unconsciously 
an  appeal,  full  of  entreaty.  She  half  forgot  her 
surroundings  ;  they  were  nothing  in  her  present 
mood.  The  little  audience  of  strangers  gave  a  sense 
of  solitude. 

The  quaint  old  tune  was  rich  in  plaintive  har 
mony.  It  had  survived  the  winnowing  process  of 
time,  and  had  endeared  itself  to  the  popular  heart 
because  expressive  of  the  heart's  unrest  and  desire 
for  something  unpossessed.  Along  this  old,  well- 
worn  musical  channel  Madge  poured  the  full  tide  of 
her  feeling,  which  had  both  the  solemnity  and  the 
pathos  inseparable  from  all  deep  and  sacred 
emotion.  Gray  don  was  now  sure  that  he  must  dis 
miss  one  of  his  impressions  of  Madge,  and  finally. 


^you  \\-II.L  HE  DisAPi  OINTED:'          163 

No  one  could  sing  like  that  and  be  trivial  at  heart. 
I  don't  understand  her,"  he  muttered,  gloomily, 
but  I  appreciate  one  thing.  She  has  withheld  from 
me  her  confidence,  she  does  not  wish  to  keep  her 
old  place  in  my  affection,  and  has  deposed  herself 
from  it.  She  appears  to  be  under  the  influence  of  a 
brood  of  sentimental  aspirations.  I  shall  remain  my 
old  self,  nor  shall  I  gratify  her  by  admiring  wonder. 
J  he  one  thing  that  would  make  life  a  burden  to  me 
is  an  intense,  aesthetical,  rapturously  devotional 
\\oman,  with  her  mental  eye  fixed  on  a  vague  ideal. 
In  such  society  I  should  feel  much  like  a  man  com 
pelled  to  walk  on  stilts  all  the  time.  The  idea  of 
going  back  to  the  hotel,  smoking  a  cigar,  and  talk 
ing  of  the  ordinary  affairs  of  life,  after  such  music 
as  that  !" 

It  was  very  kind  of  you  to  come  over  for  me," 
said  Madge,  as  she  came  out.  '  Thank  you,  doc 
tor  ;  no  ;  there  is  no  need  of  your  going  back  with 
me.  Good-night." 

Thanks  to  you,  Miss  Alden,  thanks,  thanks. 
The  sermon  was  good,  but  that  last  hymn  rounded 
i!]>  Sunday  for  me.  I  was  going  up  to  the  house, 
but  I'Jl  go  home  and  keep  that  music  in  my  ears. 
Il  they  had  known,  they  wouldn't  have  spared  you 
frum  the  hotel  music  to-night." 

Please  say  nothing  about  it, -  that  is  all  I  ask," 
she  said,  as  she  took  Graydon's  arm. 

'Yes,  Madge,"  he  began,  quietly,  "you  sung 
\\ell.  You  had  the  rudiments  of  a  fine  voice1  years 
ago.  In  gaining  strength  you  have  also  won  the 
power  to  sing. 


164  A    YOUXG   GIRLS,    ll'OOhVG. 

'  Yes,"  she  said,  simply. 
"  Do  you  sing  much  ?" 

I  do  not  wish  to  sing  at  all  in  the  hotel.      I  did 
not  study  music  in  order  to  be  conspicuous.'' 
Have  you  studied  it  very  carefully  ?" 
Please  leave  out  the  word   '  very.'      I  studied  it 
as  a  young  girl  studies,  not  scientifically.      I   had   a 
good   master,  and   he    did   his    best    for  me.      Poor 
Herr  Brachmann  !   he  was  sorry  to   have  me  come 
away.      Perhaps   in   time   I  can    make    progress  that 
will   satisfy   him   better.      I    could    see   that    he  was 
oiten  dissatisfied." 

'  You  don't  mean   to  suggest  that  you   are  going 
back  to  Santa  Barbara?" 
"  Why  not  ?" 

'  True  enough,  '  why  not  ?  '  It  was  a  foolish 
question.  You  doubtless  have  strong  attachments 
there." 

I  have,  indeed. " 

And  it's  natural  to  go  where  our  attachments 
are  strongest. " 

'  Yes  ;  you  have  proved  that  to-day." 
'  You    evidently   share   in    my    brother's    disap 
proval.      Mary    would    soon    become    quite  .recon 
ciled. 

"  I  ?  I  have  no  right  to  feel  either  approval  or 
disapproval,  while  you  have  an  undoubted  right  to 
please  yourself." 

Indeed  !  are  you  so  indifferent?  If  you  think 
Miss  Wildmere  objectionable  you  should  disap 
prove.  " 

"If  you  find  her  altogether  charming,  if  she  real- 


i/.cs  your  ideal,  is  not  that  sufficient  ?  Kverything 
is  very  much  what  it  seems  to  us.  If  I  as  a  girl 
\vould  please  myself,  you,  surely,  as  a  man  have  a 
right  to  do  so. 

Do  you  propose  to  please  yourself?" 

Indeed  I  do." 

You  will  be  disappointed.  You  have  formed  a 
passion  for  ideals.  1  imagine,  though,  that  you  are 
somewhat  different  from  other  girls  whose  future 
husbands  must  be  ideal  men,  but  who  are  content 
themselves  to  remain  very  much  what  their  milli 
ners,  dressmakers,  and  fashion  make  them." 

I  can  at  least  say  that  I  am  not  content  ;   and  I 

am  also  guilt}-  of  the  enormity  of  cherishing  ideals." 

"()h,     I've     found     that     out,    if     nothing    else. 

Ideals   among  men   are  as  thick  as  blackberries,  you 

know.      Jack  Henderson  dances  superbly.  " 

'  Yes  ;     he    quite    meets    my    ideal    in    that     re 
spect.  " 

Perhaps  you  left  some  one  in  Santa  Barbara 
who  meets  your  ideal  in  all  respects?" 

There  was  one  gentleman  there  who  approached 
it  nearly. 

How  could  you  leave  him  ?" 

lie  came  on  with  me,  —  Mr.  Wayland." 

Pshaw  !      He's  old  enough  to  be  your  father." 

And  very  like  a  father  he  was  to  me.  1  owe 
him  an  immense  deal,  for  he  helped  me  so  much  !" 

You  did  not  let  me  help  you  ?" 

Yes  ;  I  did.  I  wrote  to  you  for  books,  and 
read  all  you  sent  me  ;  some  parts  of  them  several 
limes. " 


1 66 

'  You  know  that  is  not  what  I  meant.  I  am 
learning-  to  understand  you  somewhat,  Madge.  1 
hope  you  may  realize  all  your  ideals,  and  find  some 
young  fellow  who  is  the  embodiment  of  the  higher 
life,  aspirations,  and  all  that,  you  know." 

Her  laugh  rung  out  musically.  Mrs.  Muir  heard 
it,  and  remarked  to  her  husband  :  '  Madge  and 
Graydon  are  getting  on  better.  They  have  seemed 
to  me  to  clash  a  little  to-day." 

Mr.  Muir  made  no  reply,  and  Graydon,  as  he 
mounted  the  steps,  whispered,  hurriedly,  "What 
you  said  about  Miss  \Vildmere  was  at  least  just  and 
fair.  I  wish  you  liked  her,  and  would  influence 
Henry  to  like  her,  for  I  see  that  you  have  influence 
with  him. " 

She  made  no  response  by  word  or  sign. 

The  ladies  soon  retired,  and  Graydon  waited  in 
vain  for  another  interview  with  Miss  Wildmere. 
While  he  was  looking  for  her  on  the  piazza  she 
passed  in  and  disappeared.  He  at  last  discovered 
Mr.  Arnault,  who  was  smoking  and  making  some 
memoranda,  and,  turning  on  his  heel,  he  strode 
away.  "  She  might  have  said  good-night,  at 
least,"  he  thought,  discontentedly,  "  and  that 
fellow  Arnault  did  not  look  like  a  man  who  had 
received  his  coiigc." 

That  this  gentleman  did  not  regard  himself  as 
out  of  the  race  was  proved  by  his  tactics  the  next 
morning.  Before  reaching  the  city  he  joined  Mr. 
Muir  in  the  smoking-section  of  a  parlor  car,  and 
easily  directed  their  talk  to  the  peculiar  condition 
of  business.  Mr.  Muir  knew  little  in  favor  of 


"YOU  \yii.r.  BE  DISAPPOINTED."          167 

his  companion,  and  not  much  against  him,  but 
devoutly  hoped  that  he  would  be  the  winning  man 
in  the  contest  for  Miss  Wildmere.  lie  also  knew 
that  the  firm  to  which  Mr.  Arnault  belonged  had 
held  their  heads  well  up  in  the  fluctuations  of  the 
street.  Both  gentlemen  deplored  the  present  state 
of  affairs,  and  hoped  that  there  might  soon  be  more 
confidence.  '  By  the  way,  Mr.  Muir, "  Mr.  Ar 
nault  remarked,  casually,  "if  you  need  accom 
modation  we  have  some  money  lying  idle  for  a 
short  time,  which  we  would  like  to  put  out  as  a  call 
loan,  and  would  be  glad  to  place  it  in  good  conser 
vative  hands,  like  yours." 

"  Thank  you,"  said  Mr.  Muir,  with  some 
cordiality. 

He  went  to  his  office  and  looked  matters  over 
carefully.  He  was  convinced  that  a  crisis  was  ap 
proaching.  More  money  was  required  immediately, 
since  the  securities  in  which  he  had  invested  had 
declined  still  further.  He  had  not  lost  his  faith  in 
them  at  all,  knowing  that  they  had  a  solid  basis, 
and  would  be  among  the  first  to  rise  in  value  with 
returning  confidence.  lie  had  gone  so  far  and  held 
on  so  long  that  it  was  a  terrible  thing  to  give  up 
now.  Comparatively  little  money  would  probably 
carry  him  over  to  perfect  safety,  but  his  means  were 
tied  up,  the  banks  stringent,  and  he  had  already 
strained  his  credit  somewhat.  Mr.  Arnault's  proffer 
occurred  to  him  again,  and  at  last,  much  as  he  dis 
liked  the  expedient,  he  called  upon  the  broker,  \vho 
was  affable,  off-hancl,  and  business-like. 

'  Yes,  Mr.  Muir,"  he   said,  "  I    can   let   you  have 


i68  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  U'OOIA'C. 

thirty  thousand  just  as  well  as  not  ;  as  the  times 
are,  I  would  like  some  security,  however." 

"  Certainly,    here   are    bonds   marketable  to-day, 
although    depressed    unnaturally.      You    arc    aware 
that  they  will  be  among  the  first  to  appreciate." 
In  ordinary  times  one  would  think  so." 
How   soon   do  you   think  you   may  call   in  this 
loan  ?" 

Well,  the  probabilities  arc,  that  you  may  keep 
it  as  long  as  you  wish,  at  the  rates  named.  They 
arc  stiff,  I  know,  but  not  above  the  market." 

Mr.  Muir  had  thought  it  over.  If  he  failed  he 
was  satisfied  that  his  assets  would  eventually  make 
good  every  dollar  he  owed,  with  interest,  while,  on 
the  other  hand,  even  the  small  sum  named  prom 
ised  to  preserve  his  fortune  and  add  very  largely  to 
his  wealth.  The  transaction  was  soon  completed. 

Mr.  Arnault  was  equally  satisfied  that  he  also 
took  but  slight  risk.  The  loan,  however,  was  made 
from  his  own  means,  and  was  not  wholly  a  business 
affair.  lie  had  made  up  his  mind  to  win  Stella 
"\Yildmerc,  and  would  not  swerve  from  the  purpose 
unless  she  engaged  herself  to  another.  Then,  even 
though  she  might  be  willing  to  break  the  tie  through 
stress  of  circumstances,  he  would  stand  aloof. 
There  was  only  one  thing  greater  than  his  persist 
ency, — his  pride.  She  was  the  belle  who,  in  his  set, 
had  been  admired  most  generallv,  and  his  god  was 

o  J  *  o 

success, — success  in  everything  on  which  he  placed 
his  heart,  or,  rather,  mind.  For  her  to  become 
engaged  to  Graydon,  and  then,  because  of  his 

o      o  J 

•xivertv,  to   be  willing   to   renounce  him  for    a  more 


WILL   BE    DISAPPOINTED,"  iC-) 

ioituiuitc  man,  would  not  answer  at  all.  He  must 
appear  to  the  world  to  have  won  her  in  fair  compe 
tition  with  all  others,  and  the  girl  had  an  instinctive 
knowledge  of  this  fact.  The  events  of  the  previous 
day,  with  her  father's  note,  therefore  confirmed  her 
purpose  to  keep  both  men  in  abeyance  until  the 
scale  should  turn. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

TvlISS    WILDMERF/S    STRATEGY. 

AS  \ve  have  seen,  Madge  could  not  resume  her 
old  relations  with  Gray  don  Muir.  Indeed, 
the  turning-point  in  her  life  had  been  the  impulse 
and  decision  to  escape  them  by  going  away.  She 
was  also  right  in  thinking  that  this  inability  would 
rather  help  than  hinder  her  cause.  If  he  had  come 
back  and  realized  his  expectations,  he  would  have 
bestowed  unstintedly  the  placid  affection  of  a 
brother,  given  her  his  confidence,  his  aid,  anything 
she  wished,  except  his  thoughts.  While  she  lost 
much  else,  she  retained  these  in  a  way  that  puzzled 
and  even  provoked  him,  in  view  of  his  devotion  to 
Miss  Wildmere.  The  very  fact  that  he  resented 
the  way  in  which  he  had  been  treated  by  Madge, 
made  him  think  of  her,  although  admitting  to  him 
self  that  it  might  all  turn  out  for  the  best.  He 
would  have  soon  accepted  changes  in  externals,  and 
her  added  accomplishments,  but  there  were  other 
and  more  subtile  changes  which  he  could  not  grasp. 
It  began  to  pique  him  that  he  had  already  been 
forced  to  abandon  more  than  one  impression  in  re 
gard  to  her  character.  It  was  somewhat  humiliat- 


MISS   WILDMERE'S   STRATEGY.  171 

ing  that  he,  who  had  seen  the  world,  especially  in 
its  social  aspects,  should  be  perplexed  by  a  young 
girl  scarcely  twenty,  and  that  this  girl  of  all  others 
should  be  little  Madge.  He  had  intimated  that  she 
had  become  imbued  with  sentimentality  and  aspira 
tions  after  ideals,  and  was  hoping  to  meet  a  male 
embodiment  of  these  traits,  which  he  regarded  as 
prominently  lackadaisical.  Her  merry  and  half 
ironical  laugh  was  not  the  natural  response  of  a 
woman  of  the  intense  and  aesthetic  type. 

I  don't  understand  her  yet,"  he  admitted  ;  and 
he  again  assured  himself  that  it  was  not  necessary 
that  he  should.  She  had  not  merely  drifted  away 
from  him,  but  had  deliberately  chosen  that  others 
should  guide  and  help  in  the  new  development. 
The  thing  for  him  to  do  now  was  to  secure  the  girl 
of  his  heart,  who  was  not  shrouded  in  mystery.  It 
was  evident  that  Mr.  Arnault  had  been  an  urgent 
suitor,  and  that  she  was  not  already  engaged  to  him 
proved,  as  he  believed,  that  she  had  been  under  the 
influence  of  a  restraint  readily  explained  by  her  more 
than  manner  toward  himself.  "She  will  have  to 
choose  between  us  soon,"  he  thought.  "  She  un 
derstands  us  both,  and  her  heart  will  soon  give  its 
final  verdict,  if  it  has  not  already  done  so." 

Miss  Wildmere's  heart  would  have  slight  voice  in 
the  verdict.  Indeed,  it  never  had  been  permitted 
to  say  very  much,  and  was  approaching  the  condi 
tion  of  a  mute.  She  had  her  preference,  however, 
and  still  hoped  to  be  able  to  follow  it.  She  smiled 
upon  Gray  don  almost  as  sweetly  as  ever  during  tlv 
next  two  davs,  but  he  felt  that  she  had  grown  more 


GIRI: s  WOOING. 

elusive.  She  lured  him  on  unmistakably,  but  per 
mitted  no  near  approach.  With  consummate  art, 
she  increased  the  spell  of  her  fascinations,  and  added 
to  the  glamour  which  dazzled  him.  He  might  look 

O  O 

his  admiration,  and,  more,  he  might  compliment 
indefinitely  ;  but  when  he  spoke  too  plainly,  or 
sought  stronger  indications  of  her  regard,  she  was 
on  the  wing  instantly,  and  he  was  too  fine  in  his 
perceptions  to  push  matters  against  her  will.  One 
thing  appeared  hopeful  to  him,  —  she  seemed 
possessed  by  a  carefully  veiled  jealousy  of  Madge. 
In  his  downright  earnestness,  he  determined  to  give 
her  no  cause  for  this,  and  treated  Madge  much  as 
he  did  Mrs.  Muir,  allowing  for  difference  in  age  and 
relation.  He  determined  that  Miss  Wildmere 
should  discover  no  ambiguity  in  his  course  or  inten 
tions.  If  thoughts  of  him  had  kept  her  waiting 
through  years,  he  would  justify  those  thoughts  by 
all  the  means  in  his  power.  Casting  about  with  a 
lover's  ingenuity  for  an  explanation  of  her  tantaliz 
ing  allurement,  yet  elusiveness,  it  occurred  to  him 
that  she  was  unwilling  to  yield  readily  and  easily, 
from  very  fear  that  he  might  surmise  the  cause  of 
her  freedom, — that  she  had  given  him  her  love  be 
fore  it  had  been  asked.  Therefore,  it  was  not  im 
possible  that  she  now  proposed  for  him  a  somewhat 
thorny  probation  as  an  open  suitor.  She  would  not 
appear  to  be  easily  won,  and  perhaps  she  thought 
that,  since  this  was  to  be  the  last  wooing  she  could 
enjoy,  she  would  make  the  most  of  it.  lie  also 
resolved  to  make  the  most  of  this  phase  of  life,  and 
to  enjoy  to  the  utmost  all  of  hei  shy  witchery,  her 


MISS   W 1 1. DM  ERE' S   STRATEGY.  173 

airy,  hovering  nearness  to  the  thought  uppermost 
in  his  mind,  as  if  she  were  both  fascinated  by  it  and 
afraid.  Me  little  dreamed  that  her  feminine  grace 
and  finesse  were  but  the  practical  carrying  out  of 
her  father's  suggestion,  to  "'  keep  him  well  in 
hand. " 

Madge  felt  herself  neglected  and  partially  for 
gotten.  She  saw  that  Miss  Wildmere's  spell  grew 
stronger  upon  Graydon  every  day.  It  was  not  in 
her  nature  to  seek  to  attract  his  attention  or  in  the 
slightest  degree  to  enter  the  lists  openly  against  her 
rival.  During  the  first  three  days  of  the  week,  her 
chief  effort  was  to  be  so  active  and  cheerful  that  her 
deep  despondency  should  be  hidden  from  all.  She 
was  the  life  of  every  little  group  of  which  she 
formed  a  part.  Wherever  she  appeared,  mirth  and 
laughter  soon  followed.  The  young  girls  in  the 
house  began  to  acknowledge  her  as  a  natural  leader, 
the  boyish  young  fellows  to  adore  her,  and  the 
maturer  men  to  discover  that  she  could  hold  her 
own  with  them  in  conversation,  while  another  class 
learned,  to  their  chagrin,  that  she  would  not  flirt. 
For  every  walking  expedition  started  she  was  ready 
with  her  alpenstock,  and  the  experts  in  the  bowling 
alley  found  a  strong,  supple  competitor,  with  eye 
and  hand  equally  true.  Graydon,  as  far  as  his 
preoccupation  permitted,  saw  all  this  with  renewed 
perplexity.  She  now  appeared  to  him  as  a  beauti 
ful,  vigorous  girl,  with  healthful  instincts  and  a 
large  appetite  for  enjoyment. 

Wednesday  morning  was  cool  and  cloudy,  and  a 
large  party  was  forming  to  climb  i.o  Spy  Rock. 


174  -'I    YOUNG    GIRL'S   U'OOING. 

Graydon  was  longing  for  more  activity,  and  since 
the  day  was  so  propitious,  Miss  Wildmere  consented 
to  go.  Of  course  Madge  was  in  readiness,  and  in 
charming  costume  for  a  walk.  The  moment  they 
were  on  the  steep  path  he  had  to  admit  that  she 
appeared  the  superior  of  Miss  Wildmere.  The  one 
owed  her  bloom  to  artificial  and  metropolitan  life  ; 
the  other  had  gone  to  nature,  and  now  acted  as  if 
her  foot  was  on  her  native  heath.  Her  step  was 
light,  yet  never  uncertain.  Her  progress  was  easy, 
and,  although  different,  was  quite  as  graceful  as  if 
she  were  promenading  the  piazza,  proving  that  she 
was  an  adept  in  mountain-climbing.  It  was 
evident,  however,  that  to  Miss  Wildmere  a  moun 
tain  was  a  terra  incognita.  She  trod  uncertainly, 
her  feet  turned  on  loose  stones  that  hurt  her,  and 
before  the  first  steep  ascent  was  passed,  she  panted 
and  was  glad  to  sit  clown  with  others,  more  or  less 
exhausted. 

Madge's  breathing  was  only  slightly  quickened, 
and  color  was  beginning  to  come  in  her  usually  pale 
face,  yet  she  had  lent  a  helping  hand  more  than 
once. 

How  easily    you   climb,    Miss  Alden  !"   gasped 
Miss  Wildmere.      "  Have  you  taken  lessons?" 

'  Yes,"  she  replied,  smiling  sweetly,  "  and  from 
a  master. 

Miss  Wildmere  also  was  beginning  to  discover  a 
problem  in  Madge  ;  she  could  not  patronize,  snub, 
or  apparently  touch  her  with  shafts  of  satire.  The 
young  girl  treated  her  with  cordial  indifference,  as 
one  of  the  guests  of  the  house.  She  appeared  to 


f75 

be  capable  of  enjoying  herself  thoroughly,  with 
scarce!}-  a  consciousness  of  the  belle's  existence,  un 
less,  as  in  the  present  case,  she  was  addressed. 
Then  she  would  reply  with  perfect  courtesy,  but  in 
some  such  ambiguous  way.  It  soon  became 
evident  to  Gray  don  that  the  two  girls  were  hostile, 
and  tin's  both  amused  and  vexed  him.  He  was  be 
ginning  to  learn  that  Madge  was  the  more  skilful 
opponent.  She  was  never  aggressive,  yet  seemed 
clad  in  polished  armor  when  attacked,  and  her  quick 
replies  flashed  back  under  the  light  of  her  smile. 
I'y  acting,  however,  as  if  Miss  \Vildmere  were  never 
in  her  thoughts,  except  when  in  someway  obtruded 
upon  them,  she  gave  the  keenest  wound.  The 
flattered  girl  enjoyed  being  envied,  hated,  and  even 
detested  by  her  own  sex,  but  to  be  politely  ignored 
was  a  new  and  unwelcome  experience,  and  she 
chafed  under  it,  not  so  secretly  but  that  Graydon 
observed  her  annoyance. 

After  a  rest  they  started  on  again,  he  with  Miss 
Wildmcre  falling  to  the  rear.  Before  Madge  passed 
around  a  curve  in  the  path  she  saw  a  lily  on  a  bank 
above  her,  and  with  the  aid  of  her  alpenstock 
sprung  upon  the  mossy  shelf,  plucked  the  (lower, 
a  id  leaped  down  with  an  effort  so  quick  and  agile 
that  it  seemed  like  the  impulse  of  a  bird  to  get 
something  and  pass  on.  She  put  the  flower  in  her 
belt,  and  a  moment  Liter  was  hidden  from  view. 

I  hope  you  observed  that  feat,"  Miss  Wildmcre 
remarked.  '  Indeed,  Miss  Alden  appears  inclined 
to  call  attention  to  her  feet  this  morning." 

J    hope    the    ladies   will    observe    them,"  he  re- 


plied  ;  '  the  gentlemen  will,  for  they  are  pretty. 
Did  you  not  note  that  her  boots  are  adapted  to 
walking?  You  could  climb  with  twice  the  case  if 
your  heels  were  not  so  high.  For  mountain 
scrambling  a  lady  needs  short  skirts,  and  boots  like 
those  that  Miss  Aider)  wears.  You  should  see  the 
English  girls  walking  in  the  Alps.  It's  my  good 
fortune,  however,  that  you  are  partially  disabled 
this  morning.  Here's  a  steep  place.  Take  my  arm 
and  put  all  the  weight  upon  it  you  can, — the  more 
the  better.  Lean  on  me  as  if  you  trusted  me." 

There  was  a  slight  frown  on  her  brow,  as  he  began 
his  speech,  but  it  soon  passed,  and  she  said,  sottly, 
as  she  still  lingered,  "  Well,  I'm  not  an  athlete.  I 
should  value  more  a  man's  strong  arm  than  strength 
of  my  own." 

'  You  know  that  the   arm   of  one  man  is  ever  at 
your  service." 

Ever  '   implies   more   patience   than   any   man 
possesses." 

'  I  should  think  so  ;  yet  you  will  find  me  reason 
ably  patient. " 

Everything  is  a  matter  of  reason  with  men." 
"  Our  reason  assures  us  that  certain  things  are  a 
matter   of    the    heart   with  women.      Therefore    we 
hope." 

Men  are  much  too  exacting.  They  reason  a 
thing  out  and  make  up  their  minds.  If  they  base 
any  hopes  on  women's  hearts,  they  should  remem 
ber  what  unreasoning  organs  they  are, — full  of  hesi 
tations,  doubts,  absurd  fears,  and  more  absurd  con 
fidence  at  times.  Have  you  ever  seen  a  bird  hover- 


MISS   WILDMERE'S   STRATEGY.  177 

ing  in  the  air,  not  knowing  where  to  alight  ?  Give 
it  time,  and  it  makes  its  selection  and  swiftly  follows 
its  choice.  No  good  hunter  rushes  at  it  in  the 
hope  of  capturing  it  during  the  moment  of  in 
decision.  " 

'  Indeed,  M.ss  Wildmcre,  if  I  understand  your 
little  parable,  I  think  Mr.  Arnault  errs  egregiously, 
yet  he  does  not  frighten  the  bird  into  a  very  distant 
Ilight." 

You  do  not  know  how  distant  it  is." 

No  ;  I  only  see  that  he  goes  straight  for  the  bird 
the  moment  he  sees  her." 

He  might  have  found  a  more  considerate  policy 
wiser."  Then  she  added,  gravel}-,  with  a  little  re 
proach  in  her  voice  :  "  Mr.  Arnault  is  an  old  friend 
and  a  friend  of  papa's,  whom  he  often  favors  in 
business.  I  think  my  manner  toward  you  should 
prove  that  I  am  not  inclined  to  be  disloyal  toward 
old  friends.  You  have  just  defended  Miss  Alden 
against  a  little  feminine  spite  on  my  part.  That 
was  nice.  In  the  same  way  I  defend  Mr.  Arnault, 
whom,  for  reasons  equally  absurd,  you  do  not  alto 
gether  like.  I'm  only  a  woman,  you  know,  and  a 
little  spite  is  one  of  our  prerogatives.  After  all,  it 
doesn't  amount  to  anything.  I  would  do  as  much 
for  Miss  Alden  as  for  any  one  in  the  house." 
(Quite  true,  which  was  nothing.)  '  You  know  how 
girls  are. " 

Certainly,  especially  when  both  are  reigning 
belles. " 

The  men  are  always  the  rulers  sooner  or  later  ; 
and  I  shall  give  my  allegiance  to  those  gentlemen 


lyS  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

friends  who  arc  the  least  like  myself,— tolerant, 
patient,  you  kno\v.  Mr.  Arnault  is  coming  to-night 
to  spend  the  Fourth.  I  must  give  him  more  or  less 
of  my  time, — I  should  be  ungrateful  if  I  did  not,— 
but  I  don't  wish  you  to  feel  to\vard  me  or  him  as  I 
should  toward  you  and  Miss  Alden  i  I  sa\v  that  you 
were  together  a  great  deal.  Now  you  see  how 
frank  I  am,  and  what  a  compliment  I  pay  to  your 
masculine  superiority. " 

Miss  Wilclmere,  I  think  I  understand  you  ;  I 
hope  I  do.  Your  manner  of  greeting  me  on  my 
return  from  long  absence  proved  that  you  were  not 
disloyal  to  one  old  friend.  If  you  could  keep  me 
in  mind  for  years,  I  can  hope  I  am  not  forgotten 
during  the  hours  when  others  have  claims  upon 
you.  I  have  ever  kept  you  in  mind,  and  I  might 
say  more.  If  women  have  a  little  natural  spite, 
men  in  some  situations  are  endowed  with  enormous 
selfishness,  and  the  bump  of  appropriation  grows 
almost  into  a  deformity." 

I  never  expect  to  see  deformities  of  any  kind  in 
Graydon  Muir, "  she  said,  laughing.  '  Now  that  we 
understand  each  other  so  well,  give  me  your  hand 
and  pull  me  up  this  steep  place  before  which  we 
have  stood  so  long,  while  getting  over  another  little 
steep  place  that  lay  in  our  path.  I'm  glad  the 
others  have  all  gone  on,  for  now  you  can  help  me 
all  you  choose,  and  I  sha'n't  care." 

Me  did  help  her,  with  a  touch  and  freedom  that 
grew  into  something  like  caresses.  He  felt  that  he 
had  revealed  himself  almost  as  completely  as  if  he 
had  spoken  his  love,  and  that  he  had  received  and 


J//.V.V   WILDMERE'S   STRATEGY,  179 

\\';i.s  receiving  more  than  encouragement.  She  did 
not  rebuke  his  manner,  which  was  that  of  a  lover. 
There  \vas  no  committal  in  that,  nothing  that  could 
bind  her.  She  permitted  the  avowal  of  his  hope, 
that  he  had  been  in  her  thoughts  during  his  long 
absence,  and  the  natural  inference  that  her  hand 
was  still  free  because  of  his  hold  upon  her  heart. 
This  belief  filled  him  with  gratitude,  and  inspired 
him,  as  she  intended  it  should,  with  generous 
thoughts  and  impulses  toward  her.  What  if  she  did 
prefer  to  maintain  a  little  longer  the  delicate  half 
reserve  that  precedes  a  positive  engagement  ?  It 
only  insured  that  the  cup  of  happiness  should  be 
sipped  and  enjoyed  more  leisurely.  She  had  seen 
too  much  of  life,  and  enjoyed  too  many  of  its 
pleasures,  to  act  with  precipitation  now.  She  un 
derstood  him,  and  yet  loved  him  well  enough  to  be 
jealous  of  one  whom  she  believed  that  he  regarded 
as  a  sister.  With  amusement  he  thought  :  "  She  is 
not  even  that  to  me  now.  Hanged  if  I  know  what 
she  is  to  me  beyond  a  pretty,  vexatious  puzzle  !" 

Miss  Wildmere's  strategy  had  accomplished  one 
thing,  however.  Believing  that  he  was  absolved  by 
Madge's  course  from  everything  beyond  cordial 
politeness,  he  had  resolved  to  carry  out  her  rival's 
wishes.  It  was  no  great  cross  to  forego  Madge's 
society,  and  if  Miss  Wildmere  saw  that  he  was  not 
consoling  himself  during  the  hours  she  spent  with 
Arnault,  she  would  shorten  them  in  his  behalf. 
After  reaching  a  certain  point  he  suggested  : 
Instead  of  scaling  that  rocky  height  after  the  rest 
of  the  party,  suppose  we  follow  this  grassy  wood- 


I  So  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   IVOOING. 

road  to  parts  unknown.  It  will  be  easier  for  you 
than  climbing,  and  you  arc  better  society  than  a 
crowd. " 

She  assented  smilingly,  and  Madge  did  not  see 
Gray  don  again  until  they  met  at  dinner. 

She  was  pale,  and  looked  weary.  "  Oh,"  she 
thought,  "  perhaps  my  hopes  are  already  vain  ! 
They  have  been  alone  all  the  morning.  He  may 
have  spoken  ;  he  looks  so  happy  and  content  that 
he  must  have  spoken  and  received  the  answer  he 
craved.  If  so,  I  shall  soon  join  the  \Vaylands  in 
my  native  village,  for  I  can't  keep  up  much  longer 
without  a  little  hope." 

'  You  are  tired,  Madge,"  he  said,  not  unkindly. 

"  A  little,"  she  replied,  carelessly.  "  A  short 
nap  this  afternoon  will  insure  my  being  ready  for 
the  hop  to-night." 


CHAPTER    XV. 

PERPLEXED    AND    BEGUILED. 

MADGE  was  so  discouraged  that  she  contented 
herself  with  a  manner  of  listless  apathy  dur 
ing  dinner,  and  then  retired  to  her  room.      Graydon 
was  giving  her  so  little  thought  that  there  was  slight 
occasion  for  disguise,  and  less  incentive  for  effort  to 

o  ' 

interest  him. 

The  struggle  promises  to  be  short  and  deci 
sive,"  she  moaned.  '  Perhaps  it  has  been  already 
decided.  I  had  no  chance,  after  all.  lie  came  here 
fully  committed  in  his  own  thoughts  to  Miss  Wild- 
mere.  I  have  merely  lost  my  old  place  in  his  affec 
tion,  and  have  had  and  shall  have  no  opportunity  to 
win  his  love.  If  this  is  to  be  my  fate  it  is  well  to  dis 
cover  it  so  speedily,  and  not  after  weeks  of  torturing 
hope  and  fear.  I'll  learn  the  truth  with  absolute 
certainty  as  soon  as  possible,  and  then  find  a  pretext 
to  join  the  Waylands. " 

At  last  the  fatigue  of  the  morning  brought  the 
respite  of  sleep,  and  when  she  waked  she  found  late 
evening  shadows  in  her  room,  and  learned  that  Mr. 
Muir  had  arrived,  it  being  his  purpose  to  spend  the 
Fourth  and  the  remainder  of  the  week  with  his 
family. 


1 82  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOIXG. 

Weariness  and  despondency  are  near  akin,  and  in 
banishing  one  Madge  found  herself  better  able  to 
cope  with  the  other.  At  any  rate,  she  determined 
to  show  no  weakness.  If  Graydon  would  never  love 
her  he  should  at  least  be  compelled  to  respect  and 
admire  her,  and  he  should  never  have  cause  to  sur 
mise  the  heart-poverty  to  which  she  was  doomed. 
Still  less  would  she  give  her  proud  rival  a  chance  to 
wound  her  again.  Miss  \Vildmere  might  make 
Graydon's  devotion  as  ostentatious  as  she  pleased, 
but  should  never  again  detect  on  Madge's  face  a 
look  of  pained  surprise  and  solicitude. 

She  made  a  careful  toilet  for  the  evening,  telling 
Mr.  Muir  and  her  sister  not  to  wait  for  her,  as  she 
had  overslept  herself. 

:<  Where  is  Madge  ?"  Graydon  asked,  at  the  sup 
per-table. 

"  She  did  not  wake  up  vntime  tc  come  down  with 
us,"  Mrs.  Muir  replied.  'What  does  it  matter  ? 
Miss  Wildmere  so  fills  your  eyes  that  you  sec  no  one 
else.  When  is  it  to  be,  Graydon  ?" 

"  Madge  evidently  sees  quite  as  much  of  me  as 
she  cares  to,"  he  replied,  somewhat  irritably.  "  I 
have  not  asked  when  it's  to  be  or  whether  it's  to  be 
at  all.  I  suppose,"  he  added,  satirically,  "that  in 
consideration  of  my  extreme  youth  I  should  obtain 
permission  from  my  family  before  venturing  to  ask 
anything." 

'  That  remark  is  absurd  and  uncalled  for,' '  Mr. 
Muir  replied,  gravely.  "  Of  course  you  will  please 
yourself,  as  I  did,  and  we  shall  make  the  best  of  it. 
15 Lit  you  have  no  right  to  expect  that  we  shall  see 


the  l;uly  with  your  eyes.  I  cannot  help  seeing  her 
as  she  is.  I  do  not  like  her,  but  if  you  choose  to 
many  her,  rest  assured  I  shall  give  neither  of  you 
cause  for  complaint.  Now,  according  to  my 
custom,  I've  had  my  say.  You  could  not  expect 
me,  as  your  brother,  to  be  indifferent  ;  still  less 
could  I  pretend  an  approval  that  I  don't  feel  ;  but  I 
recognize  that  you  are  as  free  as  I  was  when  Mary's 
suitor,  and  I  do  not  think  you  can  reasonably  ask 
more.  Our  relations  are  too  intimate  for  misunder 
standing.  You  know  that,  in  my  present  plans  and 
hopes,  I  look  forward  to  receiving  you  as  a  partner 
at  no  distant  time.  If  such  purposes  are  carried  out 
cur  interests  must  always  be  identical." 

'Pardon  me.  Henry,"  said  Graydon,  warmly, 
''and  do  not  misunderstand  my  hasty  words.  I 
know  you  have  my  best  welfare  at  heart, — you  have 
ever  proved  that, --but  you  misjudge  my  choice. 
Kven  Mary  begins  to  see  that  you  do,  and  woman's 
insight  is  keener  than  man's.  You  attribute  to  the 
daughter  the  qualities  you  dislike  in  the  father.  Is 
it  nothing  that  she  has  waited  for  me  during  my 
long  absence,  when  she  could  pick  and  choose  from 
so  many  ?" 

I'm  not  sure  she  has  been  waiting  for  you  ;  her 
manner  toward  Mr.  Arnault  yonder  suggests  that 
:-he  may  still  pick  and  choose." 

Bah  !  I'm  not  afraid  of  him.  She  could  have 
t  iken  him  long  since  had  she  so  wished.' 

o 

Others  who  had  seats  at  the  table  now  ap 
proached,  and  prevented  further  interchange  of 
words  on  so  delicate  a  subject.  Nevertheless  Mr. 


Muir's  arrow  had  not  flown  wide  of  the  mark,  and 
Graydon  thought  that  Miss  Wildmerc  was  unneces 
sarily  cordial  toward  his  rival,  and  that  Mr.  Wild- 
mere,  who  had  also  come  from  the  city,  was 
decidedly  complacent  over  the  fact. 

Graydon 's  furtive  observation  was  now  cut  short 
by  the  entrance  of  Madge,  and  even  he  was  dazzled 
by  a  beauty  that  attracted  many  eyes.  It  was  not 
merely  a  lovely  woman  who  was  advancing  toward 
him,  but  a  woman  whose  nature  was  profoundly  ex 
cited.  What  though  she  moved  in  quiet,  well-bred 
grace,  and  greeted  Mr.  Muirwith  natural  cordiality? 
The  aroused  spiritual  element  was  not  wanting  in 
the  expression  of  her  face  or  in  the  dignity  of  her 
carriage.  Her  deep,  suppressed  feeling,  which  bor 
dered  on  despair  ;  her  womanly  pride,  which  would 
disguise  all  suffering  at  every  cost,  gave  to  her  pres 
ence  a  subtile  power,  felt  none  the  less  because  in 
tangible.  It  was  evident  that  she  neither  saw  nor 
cared  for  the  strangers  who  were  looking  their  curi 
osity  and  admiration  ;  and  Graydon  understood  her 
barely  well  enough  to  think,  "  Something,  what 
ever  it  may  be,  makes  her  unlike  other  girls.  She 
was  languidly  indifferent  at  dinner  ;  now  she  is 
superbly  indifferent.  This  morning  and  yesterday 
she  was  a  gay  young  girl,  eager  for  a  mountain 
scramble  or  a  frolic  of  any  kind.  How  many  more 
phases  will  she  exhibit  before  the  week  is  over?" 

Poor  Madge  could  not  have  answered  that  ques 
tion  herself.  She  was  under  the  control  of  one  of 
the  chief  inspirations  of  feeling  and  action.  Moods 
of  which  she  had  never  dreamt  would  become  in- 


PERPLEXED   A.VD   BEGUILED.  185 

cvitablc  ;    thoughts   which   nothing    external    could 
su<rerest  would  arise  in  her  own  heart  and  determine 

^o 

her  manner. 

In  ceasing  to  hope  one  also  ceases  to  fear,  and 
Graydon  admitted  to  himself  that  he  had  never  be 
fore  felt  the  change  in  Madge  so  deeply.  The 
weak,  timid  little  girl  he  had  once  known  now 
looked  as  if, she  could  quietly  face  anything.  The 
crowded  room,  the  stare  of  strangers,  were  simply 
as  if  they  were  not  ;  the  approach  of  a  thunder-gust 
in  the  sultry  evening  was  unheeded  ;  when  a  loud 
peal  drowned  her  voice,  she  simply  waited  till  she 
could  be  heard  again,  and  then  went  on  without  a 
tremor  in  her  tones,  while  all  around  her  people 
were  nervous,  starting,  and  exclaiming.  There  was 
not  the  faintest  suggestion  of  high  tragedy  in  her 
manner.  To  a  casual  observer  it  was  merely  the 
somewhat  proud  and  cold  reserve  of  a  lady  in  a 
public  place,  while  under  the  eyes  of  a  strange  and 
miscellaneous  assemblage.  Graydon  imagined  that 
it  might  veil  some  resentment  because  he  had  been 
so  remiss  in  his  attentions.  He  could  scarcely 
maintain  this  view,  however,  for  she  was  as  cordial 
to  him  as  to  any  one,  while  at  the  same  time  giving 
the  impression  that  he  was  scarcely  in  her  thoughts 
at  all. 

Mr.  Aluir  was  perplexed  also,  and  watched  her 
with  furtive  admiration.  '  If  she  cares  for  Gray 
don 's  neglect  she's  a  superb  actress,"  he  thought. 

Great  Scott  !  what  an  idiot  he  is,  that  he  can 
not  see  the  difference  between  this  grand  woman 
am!  yonder  white-faced  speculator  !  She  actually 


186  A     )WAV(;    67 A' /AS'    U'OOIA-G. 

([uickcns  the  blood  in  my  veins  to-night  when  she 
fixes  her  great  black  eyes  on  me." 

Graydon  felt  her  power,  but  believed  that  there 
was  nothing  in  it  gentle  or  conciliatory  toward  him 
self.  Probably  her  mood  resulted  from  a  proud 
consciousness  of  her  beauty  and  the  triumphs  that 
awaited  her.  She  had  been  young  and  gay  hereto 
fore  with  the  other  young  people,  but  ,now  that  a 
number  of  mature  men,  like  Arnault,  had  appeared 
up<  n  the  scene,  she  proposed  to  make  a  different 
impression.  The  embodiment  of  her  ideal  might 
be  among  them.  "At  an}-  rate,"  he  concluded, 
"  she  has  the  skill  to  make  me  feel  that  I  have  little 
place  in  either  her  imaginings  or  hopes,  and  that  for 
all  she  cares  I  may  capture  Miss  VVildmere  as  soon 
as  I  can.  Both  of  us  probably  are  so  far  beneath 
her  ideals  of  womanhood  and  manhood  that  she  can 
never  be  friendly  to  one  and  is  fast  losing  her  in 
terest  in  the  other.  She  has  already  virtually  said, 
'  Our  relations  are  accidental,  and  if  you  marry 
Stella  Wildmere  you  need  not  hope  that  I  shall  ac 
cept  her  with  open  arms  as  inseparable  from  one  of 
my  best  friends.'  '  Best  friend,'  indeed  !  Even 
that  amount  of  regard  was  a  lingering  sentiment  of 
the  past.  Now  that  we  have  met  again  she  realizes 
that  we  have  grown  to  be  comparative  strangers, 
and  that  our  tastes  and  interests  lie  apart." 

Thus  day  after  day  he  had  some  new  and  per 
turbed  theory  as  to  Madge,  in  which  pique,  infused 
with  cynical  philosophy  and  utter  misapprehension, 
led  to  widely  varying  conclusions.  Ardent  and  im 
patient  lover  of  another  woman  as  he  was,  one  thing 


remained  true,— he  could  neither  forget  nor  placidly 
ignore  the  girl  who  had  ceased  to  be  his  sister,  and 
who  yet  was  not  very  successful  in  playing  the  part 
of  a  young  lady  friend. 

When  the  dancing  began,  the  storm  was  approach 
ing  its  culmination.  More  vivid  than  the  light  from 
t'ne  chandeliers,  the  electric  (lashes  da/,/.led  startled 
eyes  with  increasing  f requeue}'.  Miss  Wildmere  at 
first  tried  to  show  cool  indifference  in  the  spirit  of 
bravado,  and  maintained  her  place  upon  the  floor 
with  Mr.  Arnault  and  a  few  others.  She  soon  suc 
cumbed,  with  visible  agitation,  as  a  thunderous  peal 
echoed  along  the  sky.  Madge  danced  on  with 
(iraydon  as  if  nothing  had  occurred.  lie  only  felt 
that  her  form  grew  a  little  more  tense,  and  saw  that 
her  eyes  glowed  with  suppressed  excitement. 

"  Are  you  not  afraid  ?"  he  asked,  as  soon  as  his 
voice  could  be  heard.  "  See,  the  ladies  are  scatter 
ing  or  huddling  together,  while  many  look  as  if  the 
•world  were  coming  to  an  end." 

The  world  is  coming  to  an  end  to  some  every 
day, ' '  she  replied. 

That  remark  is  as  tragic  as  it  is  trite,  Madge. 
What  could  have  suggested  it?" 

Trite  remarks  cannot  have  serious  causes." 
Account  for  the  tragic  phase,  then." 
I'm  in  no  mood   for  tragedy,  and   commonplace 
does  not  need   explanation." 

What  kind  of  mood  are  you  in  to-night,  Madge? 
You  pu/./.le  me  ;"  and  he  looked  directly  into  her 
eyes.  At  the  moment  she  was  facing  a  window, 
and  a  flash  of  strange  brilliancy  made  every  feature 


luminous.  It  seemed  to  him  that  he  saw  her  very 
soul,  the  spirit  she  might  become,  for  it  is  hard  to 
imagine  cxistcrrce  without  form, — form  that  is  in 
harmony  with  character.  The  crash  that  followed 
was  so  terrific  that  they  paused  and  stood  confront 
ing  each  other.  The  music  ceased  ;  cries  of  terror 
resounded  ;  but  the  momentary  transfiguration  of 
the  girl  before  him  had  been  so  strange  and  so  im 
pressive  that  Gray  don  forgot  all  else,  and  still  gazed 
at  her  with  something  like  awe  in  his  face.  Her  lip 
trembled,  for  the  nervous  tension  was  growing  too 
severe.  "  Why  do  you  look  at  me  so  ?"  she  faltered. 
'  What  has  happened  ?  Is  there  danger  ?" 

'  What  Jias  happened,  Madge,  that  I  cannot  un 
derstand  you  ?  The  electric  gleam  made  you  look 
like  an  angel  of  light.  Your  face  seemed  light 
itself.  Are  you  so  true  and  good,  Madge,  that  such 
vivid  radiance  brings  out  no  stain  or  fear  ?  What 
is  it  that  makes  you  unlike  others?"  Instinctively 
he  looked  toward  Miss  Wildmere.  Her  face  was 
buried  in  her  hands,  and  Mr.  Arnault  was  bending 
over  her  with  reassuring  words. 

Madge  felt  her  self-control  departing.  "  Mary  is 
afraid  in  a  thunder-storm,"  she  said,  in  a  low  tone. 
"I'll  go  to  her.  She  does  not  find  me  so  puz 
zling  ;"  and  she  hastened  away,  yet  not  so  swiftly 
but  that  he  saw  her  quivering  lip  and  look  of 
trouble. 

He  took  a  few  impulsive  steps  in  pursuit,  then 
hesitated  and  walked  irresolutely  down  a  hallway, 
that  he  might  have  a  chance  for  further  thought. 
The  alarm  and  confusion  were  so  great  that  the 


PERPLEXED   AXD   BEGUILED.  189 

little  episode  had  been  unnoted.  It  had  made  an 
impression  on  Graydon,  however,  that  he  could  not 
shake  off  readily. 

Emotion,  if  forced,  has  little  power  except  to 
repel,  but  even  a  glimpse  of  deep,  suppressed  feel 
ing  haunts  the  memory,  especially  if  its  cause  is 
half  in  mystery. 

Madge  had  set  her  heart  on  one  thing,  had 
worked  long  and  patiently  for  its  attainment,  had 
hoped  and  prayed  for  it,  and  within  the  last  few 
hours  was  feeling  the  bitterness  of  defeat.  The 
event  she  so  dreaded  seemed  inevitable,  even  if  it 
had  not  already  occurred.  The  expression  on  Gray- 
don's  face  when  she  had  first  met  him  after  his  long 
ramble  with  Miss  Wildmere  had  been  that  of  a  tran 
quilly  happy  lover,  whose  heart  was  at  rest  in  glad 
certainty.  Why  should  he  not  have  spoken  ?  what 
greater  encouragement  could  he  ask  than  the  favor 
she  herself  had  seen  ?  During  his  long  absence  an 
other  girl  had  apparently  been  waiting  for  him  also, 

But  not  working  for  him,"  she  sighed,  "  and  keep 
ing  herself  aloof  from  all  and  everything  that  would 
rentier  her  less  worthy.  \Yhile  I  sought  to  train 
heart,  body,  and  soul  to  be  a  fit  bride,  she  has 
dallied  with  every  admirer  she  met,  and  now  wins 
him  without  one  hour  of  self-denial  or  effort.  It  is 
more  bitter  than  death  to  me.  It  is  cruelty  to  him, 
for  that  selfish  girl  will  never  make  him  happy. 
Even  after  he  marries  her  he  will  be  only  one  among 
man}-,  and  the  ball-room  glare  will  be  more  to  her 
than  the  light  of  her  own  hearth." 

Such   thoughts   had   been    in    Madge's    mind,  and 


I  go  A 

self-control  had  been  no  easy  matter.  When  to  all 
had  been  added  the  excitement  of  the  storm  and 
his  unexpected  words,  her  overstrained  nerves  gave 
way.  She  was  too  desperately  unhappy  for  the 
common  fear  which  temporarily  overwhelmed 
many, — the  greater  swallows  up  the  less, — but  the 
storm  had  led  to  words  that  both  wounded  and 
alarmed  her.  Why  did  she  so  perplex  him  ?  What 
had  the  lightning's  gleam  revealed,  to  be  under 
stood  when  he  should  think"  it  all  over?  Could  the 
truth  of  her  love,  of  which  she  was  so  conscious,  be 
detected  in  spite  of  her  efforts  and  disguises  ?  Was 
she  doomed,  not  only  to  failure  and  an  impover 
ished  life,  but  also  to  the  humiliation  of  receiving  a 
life-long,  yet  somewhat  complacent  pity  from  Gray- 
don,  and  possibly  the  triumphant  scorn  of  her  rival  ? 
With  these  thoughts  surging  in  her  mind  she 
locked  herself  in  her  room  and  sobbed  like  the 
broken-hearted  girl  she  felt  herself  to  be.  The 
passing  storm  was  nothing  to  her.  A  heavier  storm 
was  raging  in  her  soul,  nor  had  it  ceased  when  the 
skies  without  grew  cloudless  and  serene.  She  at  last 
felt  that  she  must  do  something  to  maintain  her 
disguise.  Hearing  little  Jack  crying  and  Mrs.  Muir 
trying  to  hush  him,  she  washed  her  eyes  and  went 
to  the  partially  darkened  room  where  the  child  was, 
and  said,  "  Let  me  take  him,  Mary,  and  you  go 
down  and  sec  Henry." 

It's  awfully  good  of  you,  Madge.  The  children 
have  been  so  frightened  that  I've  been  up  here  all 
the  evening.  You  seem  to  have  better  luck  in 
quieting  Jack  than  any  of  us." 


I9T 

"  He'll  be  good  with  me.  Go  down  at  once,  and 
don't  worn-.  You  have  hardly  had  a  chance  to  see 
1 lenry. " 

'  You   will  come  down   again  after  Jack  goes  to 
sleep  ?" 

"  Yes,  if  I  feel  like  it." 

Graydon  soon  discovered  Mrs.  Muir  after  she  had 
joined  her  husband,  and  asked,  "  Where  is  Madge  ?" 

"She  has  kindly  taken  the  baby  so  that  I  can 
spend  a  little  time  with  Henry.  The  children  have 
been  frightened,  and  Jack  is  very  fretful.  I'm  tired 
out,  and  don't  know  what  I  should  do  if  it  wasn't 
for  Madge." 

'  Why  can't  the  nurse  take  him  ?" 
'  He  won't  go  to  her  in  these  bad  moods. 
Madge  can  quiet  him  even  better  than  I.  What's 
the  matter  that  you  are  so  anxious  to  see  Madge  ? 
You  have  seemed  abundantly  able  to  amuse  your 
self  without  her  the  last  few  clays.  Is  Mr.  Arnault 
in  the  way  to-night  ?" 

As  if    I    cared    a   rap   for  him  !"   said  Graydon, 
turning  irritably  away. 

He:  did  care,  however,  and  felt  that  Miss  Wild- 
mere  was  making  too  much  use  of  the  liberty  she 
had  provided  for.  She,  like  many  others,  could  be 
half  hysterical  while  the  violence  of  the  storm 
lasted,  and  yet,  when  quiet  was  restored,  was  capa 
ble  of  making  a  jest  of  her  fears  and  the  most  of  a 
delightful  conjunction  of  affairs,  which  placed  two 
eligible  men  at  her  beck,  to  either  of  whom  she 
(  ould  become  engaged  before  she  slept.  The  arrival 
of  her  father  had  turned  the  scale-  decidedly  in  favor 


192  .-•/   YOU.VG  r;//v'/:.v  ITOOING. 

of  Mr.  Arnault,  for  the  latter,  without  revealing  his 
transaction  with  Mr.  Muir,  had  whispered  to  Mr. 
Wildmere  his  conviction  that  Henry  Muir  was  bor 
rowing  at  ruinous  interest.  This  information  ac- 

O 

corded  with  the  broker's  previous  knowledge,  and 
he  was  eager  that  his  daughter  should  decide  for 
Arnault  at  once. 

This,  however,  the  wilful  girl  would  not  do.  She 
enjoyed  the  present  condition  of  affairs  too  well, 
and  was  not  without  hope,  also,  that  her  father  was 
mistaken  ;  for  she  felt  sure,  from  Graydon's  man 
ner,  that  he  was  not  aware  of  his  brother's  financial 
peril,  and  this  fact  inclined  her  to  doubt  its  exist 
ence.  She  was  actuated  bv  the  feeling  that  she 

••  o 

had  given  much  time  and  encouragement  to  Gray- 
don,  and  that  now  Arnault  should  have  his  turn. 
Madge  had  been  invisible  since  the  storm,  and  there 
was  nothing  to  indicate  that  Graydon  was  disposed 
to  give  her  much  thought.  Miss  Wildmere's  natu 
ral  supposition  was  that  he  and  Madge  had  been 
like  brother  and  sister  once,  and  that  the  form  of 
the  relation  still  existed,  but  that  in  their  long  sep 
aration  they  had  grown  somewhat  indifferent  toward 
each  other.  She  believed  that  the  solicitude  she 
had  seen  in  Madge's  face,  on  the  evening  so  memo 
rable  in  the  latter's  experience,  was  due  to  the  jeal 
ousy  of  an  immature,  sickly  girl,  who  had  been  so 
humored  as  to  feel  that  Graydon  belonged  to  her. 
She  naturally  believed  that  if  there  had  been  any 
thing  beyond  this,  it  would  have  been  developed  by 
correspondence,  or  else  indifference  on  both  sides 
would  not  now  be  so  palpable.  She  disliked  Madge 


PERTLEXED  AXD   BEGUILED.  193 

chiefly  as  a  rival  in  beauty  and  admiration.  Noth 
ing  could  be  more  clear  than  that  Grayclon  was 
completely  under  the  spell  of  her  own  fascination, 
and  that  Madge  was  receiving  even  scant  fraternal 
regard.  All  she  feared  was,  that  during  the  process 
of  keeping  him  "  well  in  hand  "  he  might  become 
more  conscious  of  Madge's  attractions,  which  she 
recognized,  however  much  she  decried  them  openly. 
Kven  if  compelled  by  circumstances  to  accept 
Arnault,  she  proposed  to  herself  the  triumph  of 
rejecting  Graydon,  and  thought  she  could  clo  this 
so  skilfully  as  to  give  the  idea  that  he  had  made  a 
deep  impression  on  her  heart,  and  so  eventually  win 
him  again  as  one  of  her  devoted  followers  in  the 
future.  This  product  of  fashionable  society  had  not 
the  slightest  intention  of  giving  up  her  career  as  a 
belle  for  the  sake  of  Mr.  Arnault  or  any  one  else. 
She  had  more  liking  and  less  fear  for  Graydon  than 
for  Arnault.  The  latter  was  an  open,  resolute 
suitor,  but  she  knew  that  he  was  controlled  more  by 
ambition  than  by  affection, — that  he  would  yield 
everything  and  submit  to  anything  up  to  a  certain 
point.  The  moment  she  jeopardi/ed  his  prestige 
before  the  world,  or  interfered  with  his  scheme  of 
success,  she  would  meet  rock-like  obduracy,  both 
before  and  after  marriage.  She  knew  that  Gravdon 

O  * 

had  a  sincere  affection  for  her,  and  a  faith  in  her 
v,  Inch,  even  in  her  egotism,  she  was  aware  was  un 
merited,  —that  he  had  a  larger,  gentler,  and  more 
tolerant  nature,  and  would  be  easier  to  manage 
t'.ian  Arnault. 

1  ler  fear  of  the  latter  proved  his  best  all)-.      There 


i  94 

was  a  resolution  in  his  eye  since  his  return  this  even 
ing  that,  even  \vhile  it  angered  her  somewhat,  con 
vinced  her  that  he  would  not  be  trifled  with.  His 
suit  was  that  of  a  man  who  had  an  advantage  which 
she  dared  not  ignore,  and  her  father's  manner  in 
creased  this  impression.  She  felt  that  her  game 
was  becoming  delicate  and  hazardous,  but  she  would 
not  forego  its  delicious  excitement,  or  abandon  the 
hope  that  Graydon  might  still  be  in  a  position  to 
warrant  her  preference.  Therefore  she  proposed  to 
yield  to  Arnault  as  far  as  she  could  without  alienat 
ing  Muir,  hoping  that  the  former  would  soon  return 
to  town  again,  and  thus  more  time  be  secured  for 
her  final  decision. 

Before  the  first  evening  of  his  rival's  advent  had 
passed,  Graydon  felt  that  he  must  appear  to  the 
people  in  the  house  as  supplanted,  and  his  pride 
was  beginning  to  be  touched.  Mrs.  Muir's  words 
had  added  to  his  irritation.  The  episode  with 
Madge  had  left  a  decidedly  unpleasant  impression. 
He  felt  not  only  that  he  had  failed  to  understand 
her,  but  that  he  might  be  treating  her  with  a  neg 
lect  which  she  had  a  right  to  resent.  Her  appear 
ance  and  manner  during  the  storm  had  almost 
startled  him  ;  her  abrupt  departure  had  caused  sud 
den  and  strong  compunction  ;  and  he  had  wished 
that  they  might  come  to  a  better  understanding  ; 
but  thoughts  of  her  had  soon  given  place  to  anxiety 
in  regard  to  Miss  YVildmere.  It  began  to  seem 
strange  that  the  girl  who  had  apparently  waited  for 
him  so  long,  and  who  had  permitted  such  unequiv 
ocal  words  and  manner  on  his  part  that  day,  should 


1  95 

now,  before  his  very  eyes,  be  accepting-  attentions 
even  more  unmistakable  from  another  man.  She 
had  tried  to  explain  and  prepare  him  for  all  this, 
but  there  was  more  than  he  was  prepared  for.  She 
not  only  danced  oftcner  with  Arnault  than  with  any 
one  else,  but  also  strolled  with  him  on  the  dusky 
piaz/.a,  which,  by  reason  of  the  dampness  due  to  the 
storm,  was  almost  deserted.  Graydon  had  permit 
ted  his  bro\v  to  become  clouded,  and  was  so  per 
turbed  by  the  events  of  the  evening  that  he  had  not 
disguised  his  vexation  by  gallantries  to  others.  At 
last  he  detected  smiles  and  whispered  surmises  on 
the  part  of  some  who  had  seen  his  devotion  before 
the  arrival  of  Mr.  Arnault.  This  almost  angered 
him,  and  he  felt  that  Miss  Wildmere  had  imposed  a 
role  that  would  be  difficult  to  maintain. 

lie  had  lingered  conspicuously  near,  intent  on 
proving  his  loyalty,  and  had  hoped  every  moment 
that  his  opportunity  would  come.  lie  felt  that  she 
should  at  least  divide  her  time  evenly  with  him  and 
Mr.  Arnault,  but  the  evening  was  drawing  to  a 
close,  and  the  latter  had  received  the  lion's  share. 
After  noting  that  others  were  observing  his  desola 
tion,  he  went  resolutely  out  on  the  pia/./a,  with  the 
intention  of  asking  Miss  Wildmere  to  give  him 
tin  last  wait/.  Its  wide  space  was  deserted.  He 
waited  a  few  moments,  thinking  that  the  object  of 
his  thoughts  would  turn  the  corner  in  her  prome 
nade  with  his  rival.  Time  passed,  and  she  did  not 
come.  lie  looked  through  a  parlor  window,  think 
ing  that  slu:  might  have  entered  by  some  other 
means  of  ingress  ;  and  while  he  was  standing  there 


it}  6 

steps  slowly  approached  from  a  part  of  the  piazza 
which  was  usually  in  utter  darkness,  and  which  was 
known  as  the  "lovers'  retreat."  As  the  figures 
passed  a  lighted  window  he  recognized  them,  and 
was  also  observed.  He  was  too  angry  and  jealous 
now  to  carry  out  his  purpose,  and  returned  to  the 
general  hallway. 

Here  he  was  joined  a  moment  later  by  Miss  Wild- 
mere  and  Mr.  Arnault,  and  the  former  began  to 
chat  with  him  in  imperturbable  ease,  while  the  gen 
tleman  bowed  and  sought  another  partner  for  the 
\,altz  that  was  about  to  be  danced.  Graydon  would 
not  show  his  chagrin  under  the  many  eyes  directed 
toward  them,  but  she  nevertheless  saw  his  anger  in 
the  cold  expression  of  his  eyes,  and  realized  her 
danger.  She  ignored  everything  with  inimitable 
skill  and  sweetness,  and  there  was  nothing  for  him 
to  do  but  take  her  out  with  the  others.  Indeed,  it 
almost  instantly  became  his  policy  to  convince  ob 
servers  that  their  surmises  were  without  foundation. 
He  determined  that  the  girl  should  show  him  all 
the  favor  his  rival  had  enjoyed,  or  else —  A  sudden 
flash  of  his  eyes  indicated  to  his  observant  compan 
ion  that  all  her  skill  would  be  required.  She  was 
graciousness  itself,  and  when  Arnault  could  not  ob 
serve  her,  stole  swift  and  almost  pleading  glances 
into  her  partner's  eyes. 

Another  observed  her,  however.  Madge  did 
come  clown  at  last,  for  she  had  concluded  that  the 
memorable  day  should  not  close  until  she  had  had  one 
more  glimpse  of  the  problem  which  had  grown  so 
dark  and  hopeless.  Graydon  soon  observed  her 


PERPLEXED    ,-M7>   KEG  U I  LED.  197 

standing  in  the  doorway,  but  then  she  was  talking 
and  laughing  with  a  lady  friend.  A  moment  later 
she  glided  out  on  the  floor  with  one  of  a  half  dozen 
who  had  been  waiting  for  the  favor.  Graydon  sought 
to  catch  her  eye,  but  did  not  succeed.  Again  she 
made  upon  his  mind  the  impression  of  troubled  per 
plexity,  but  his  purpose  was  uppermost,  and  he  was 
bent  on  carrying  it  out. 

"Come,"  he  said  to  Miss  Wildmerc,  in  quiet 
tones,  "  I  should  enjoy  a  stroll  on  the  pia/./.a,  the 
room  has  grown  so  warm  and  close." 

Feeling  that  she  must  yield,  she  did  so  with 
ready  grace  and  apparent  willingness,  and  Graydon 
Ird  her  out  through  the  main  entrance,  that  it 
might  be  observed  that  he  received  no  less  favor 
than  had  been  given  to  another. 

"  She  is  playing  them  both  pretty  strong,"  whis 
pered  one  of  the  committee,  before  referred  to, 
that  sits  perpetually  on  the  phases  of  life  at  such 
resorts. 

I  feared  you  would   not   be   very  patient,"  said 
Miss  Wildmere,  in  a  low  tone. 

I  said   I  would   be  reasonably  patient,"  was  the 
reply. 

Reason  again." 

'  Yes,  Miss  Wildmere  ;  1  think  I  can  justly  say 
tliat  I  am  endowed  with  both  heart  and  reason. 
There  are  some  questions  in  life  that  demand 
both." 

Please    do    not    speak    so    coldly.      You    do  not 
understand.  " 

I  wish  I  did. ' 


T9<S  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

Be  patient  and  you  will.  After  maintaining 
friendship  true  and  strong  for  years,  it  hurts  me  to 
be  misjudged  now." 

But,  Miss  Wildmere —   '  he  began,  impetuously. 

Hush,"  she  said,  hastily  ;  then  added,  a  little 
coldly,  "  if  I  am  not  worthy  of  a  little  trust  I  am 
not  worthy  of  anything." 

Graydon  was  touched  to  the  quick.  Honorable 
himself,  he  felt  that  he  was  acting  meanly  and  sus 
piciously, — that  his  jealousy  and  irritation  were 
leading  him  to  unmanly  conduct.  There  was  some 
reason  for  her  course,  which  would  be  explained 
eventually,  and  he  ought  not  to  ask  a  woman  to  be 
his  wife  at  all  unless  he  could  trust  her.  Therefore 
he  said,  humbly  :  'I  beg  your  pardon.  In  my 
heart  I  believe  you  worthy  of  all  trust.  I  will  wait 
and  be  as  patient  as  you  desire,  since  I  know  that 
you  cannot  have  failed  to  understand  me."  Then 
he  added,  with  a  deprecating  laugh,  "  There  are 
times,  I  suppose,  when  all  men  are  a  little  blind  and 
unreasonable." 

"  Heaven  keep  him  blind  !"  she  thought,  yet  she 
winced  under  his  honest  words  in  their  contrast 
with  herself. 

I  hope  some  da}'  to  prove  worthy  of  your 
trust,"  she  breathed,  softly,  and  looked  in  dread 
into  the  darkness  lest  in  some  way  her  words  should 
reach  Arnault.  "  Come,  please,"  she  added,  with 
a  gentle  pressure  on  his  arm,  "  let  us  return,  or  the 
hotel  may  be  closed  upon  us." 

'''  Please  give  me  all  the  time  you  can,"  pleaded 
Graydon,  as  they  paused  at  the  door. 


PERPLEXED   ANP    BEGUILED.  199 

Looking  within,  she  saw  Arnault  with  his  back 
toward  them,  and  said,  hastily,  and  as  if  impul 
sively,  "  I  will — all  that  I  can.  Possibly  my  regret 
will  be  deeper  than  yours  that  I  cannot  give  you 
more. " 

You  should  know  that  that  is  not  possible,"  he 
said,  in  low,  earnest  tones.  Then  he  added,  in  a 
whisper,  as  she  was  entering,  "  I  can  trust  you  now 
and  wait. " 

My  good  fortune  is  still  in  the  ascendant,"  was 
her  thought  ;  "  I  can  still  keep  him  in  hand,  in  spite 
of  papa  and  Mr.  Arnault." 

"  Her  father's  relations  with  Mr.  Arnault  must 
give  him  some  hold  upon  her,"  he  thought,  "and 
for  her  father's  sake  she  cannot  yield  to  me  at  once, 
but  she  will  eventually." 

Mr.  Arnault  came  forward  with  smiling  lips,  light 
words,  yet  resolute  eyes.  Graydon  felt  that  he  had 
received  all  the  assurance  that  he  needed, — that  she 
was  under  some  necessity  of  keeping  his  rival  in 
good-humor, — so  he  smiled  significantly  into  her 
eyes,  and  bowed  himself  away. 

Muir  looked  as  if  he  had  received  all  the  com 
fort  that  he  required,"  Arnault  said,  as  they  strolled 
across  the  parlor,  now  deserted. 

Did  he  ?     Well,  he  did  not  require  very  much." 

1  low  much  ?" 
'  You  had  better  ask  him." 

Stella,"  he  said,  and  there  was  a  suggestion  of 
menace  in  his  tone,  "  I'm  in  earnest  now.  You  will 
soon  have  to  choose  between  us." 

"  Shall    I  ?"    she    replied,    bending    upon    him    an 


arch,  bewildering  smile.       '  Then  please  don't  speak 
as  if  I  had  no  choice  at  all  ;"  and  she  was  going. 

Wait,"  he  said.  '  Will  you  drive  with  me  to 
morrow  ?" 

'  Yes.      Is    there    anything    else    your     lordship 
would  like  ?" 

He   seized    her   hand,  and    held    it    in    both    his. 

This, "  he  said. 

Is  that  all?"  was  her  laughing  reply,  as  she 
withdrew  it.  'I  wish  you  had  more  of  Mr.  Mtiir's 
diffidence  ;"  and  she  vanished  before  he  could  speak 
again. 

Graydon  found  that  Madge  had  retired,  so  that 
there  was  no  chance  for  him  to  speak  to  her  that 
night  ;  but  his  mind  was  in  too  happy  a  tumult  to 
give  her  much  thought. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

DECLARATION    OF    INDEPENDENCE. 

MRS.  MUIR  came  into  Madge's  room  for  a  bit 
of  the  gossip  that  she  clearly  loved,  but,  as 
usual,  obtained  little  information  or  surmise  from 
the  young  girl.  "  I'm  glad  you  came  down,"  she 
said,  "  if  only  to  prove  to  Graydon  that  you  were 
not  moping  up-stairs." 

'  Why  should    I   mope  up-stairs?"  Madge  asked, 
with  a  keen  look  at  her  sister. 

No  reason  that  I  know  of,  only  Graydon  has 
been  slightly  spoiled  by  his  success  among  ladies, 
;md  society  men  are  always  imagining  that  girls  are 
languishing  for  them." 

Have  I  given  him  or  any  one  such  an  impres 
sion  ?"  Madge  again  inquired,  indignantly. 

Oh  no,  indeed  !  On  the  contrary,  you  seem  so 
indifferent  as  not  to  be  quite  natural.  Kven  Gray 
don  feels  it,  and  is  perplexed  and  troubled.  He 
was  inquiring  for  you  during  the  evening,  and  I  told 
him  you  were  kindly  caring  for  Jack,  so  that  I 
Might  have  a  little  fresh  air  with  Henry  on  the 
pia/.za. " 

'  There  it  is  again,    -perplexed  and  troubled.     I'm 


2C2  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING, 

sick  of  being  misunderstood  so  ridiculously.  The 
scraps  of  time  that  he  gives  me  when  Miss  Wild- 
mere  does  not  fill  his  eyes  and  thoughts  are  em 
ployed  in  criticism.  Why  should  I  perplex  and 
trouble  him  ?  I  have  told  him  to  please  himself 
with  Miss  Wildmere, — that  I  should  certainly  please 
myself  in  my  choice  of  friends,  and  that  he  as  a  man 
assuredly  had  a  right  to  do  the  same.  He  will  soon 
be  engaged  to  her,  and  probably  is  already,  but  he 
has  no  right  to  demand  that  I  should  receive  this 
girl  with  open  arms.  She  already  detests  me,  and  I 
do  not  admire  her.  It's  none  of  my  business,  but 
if  I  were  a  man  I  wouldn't  stand  her  flirtation  with 
Mr.  Arnault.  Even  the  people  in  the  house  are 
observing  it  with  significant  smiles.  He  must  get 

o  o  o 

over  the  impression  that  I'm  the  weak,  limp  child 
in  mind  or  body  that  he  left.  I'm  an  independent 
woman,  and  have  as  much  right  to  my  thoughts 
and  ways  as  he  to  his.  If  he  wants  my  society,  let 
him  treat  me  with  natural  friendliness.  If  he's 
afraid  to  do  it — if  Miss  Wildmere  won't  let  him  — 
rest  assured  I  won't  receive  any  furtive,  deprecatory 
attentions.  I  am  abundantly  able  to  take  care  of 
myself  in  my  own  way." 

"  O  Madge,  you  have  so  changed  !  Before  you 
went  away  the  sun  seemed  to  rise  and  set  in  Gray- 
clon." 

:<  Well,  the  sun  now  rises  in  the  west  and  sets  in 
the  east —  What  am  I  saying?  Well,  perhaps  it's 
true  for  me,  after  all.  In  the  West  I  gained  the 
power  to  live  a  strong,  resolute  life  of  my  own 
choosing,  and  he  may  as  well  recognixe  the  truth 


DECLARATION   OF  INDEPENDENCE.  203 

first  as  last.  Let  him  give  all  his  thoughts  to  Miss 
\Yildmere.  From  what  I  see  and  have  heard  she 
\vill  keep  them  busy  before  and  after  marriage." 

He's  not  engaged  to  her  yet  ;  he  said  so  posi 
tively." 

Oh,  well,"  Madge  replied,  with  well-assumed 
indifference,  although  her  heart  bounded  at  the  tid 
ings,  "  it's  only  a  question  of  time.  There,  we've 
talked  enough  about  her.  Of  course  I  remember 
Graydon's  old  kindness,  and  all  that  ;  and  if  he 
would  treat  me  with  frank  and  sensible  friendliness, 
I  should  enjoy  his  society.  Why  not  ?" 

I  thought  he  regarded  you  as  his  sister." 
"Sister,  indeed!  I'm  Henry's  sister,  not  his. 
I'm  only  an  object  of  criticism,  of  perplexity,  a 
sphinx,  and  all  that  kind  of  nonsense.  He  was 
bent  on  seeing  a  '  little  ghost,'  as  he  used  to  call 
me.  I'm  not  a  bit  of  a  ghost,  and  have  as  much 
proud  blood  in  my  veins  as  he  has." 

\Vcll,  Madge,  I'm  glad  you  feel  that  you  arc 
1  Icnry's  sister.  lie  likes  and  admires  you  so  much 
that  I'm  half  jealous." 

Henry  and  I  understand  each  other.  He 
thinks  I'm  sensible,  and  I  certainly  think  he  is. 
Good-night,  no\v,  dear.  It's  after  twelve,  and  I 
wish  you  a  merry  Fourth  of  July  ;  I  mean  to  have 
one. " 

Graydon  had  not  found  himself  in  a  sleeping 
mood  until  the  shadows  of  night  were  almost  reach- 
to  depart,  and  so  came  down  very  late.  Mrs.  Wild- 
mere,  who  was  on  the  piazza  with  her  child,  in 
formed  him,  with  a  deprecatory  smile,  that  Stella 


204  A    YOUXG   GIRL'S   M'OOIXG. 

had  gone  to  drive  with  Mr.  Arnault.  He  bit  his 
lip,  and  went  to  make  a  leisurely  breakfast.  By 
the  time  he  had  finished,  Madge  came  in  with  a 
party  of  young  people  who  had  been  on  a  ramble. 
Her  greeting  was  friendly,  but  nothing  more,  and 
having  received  a  long  letter  from  Mrs.  Wayland, 
she  took  it  to  a  small  summer-house.  Graydon 
soon  strayed  after  her  in  a  listless  way,  and  in  no 
very  amiable  humor.  The  greater  anxiety  had 
swallowed  up  the  less,  and  his  perturbed  thoughts 
about  Madge  were  now  following  a  light  carriage  on 
some  wild  mountain-road.  His  generous  glow  of 
feeling  of  the  night  before  had  passed  somewhat, 
and  he  was  inclined  to  think  that  Miss  Wildmere's 
relations  to  Arnault,  whatever  they  were,  placed 
him,  a  committed  lover,  in  a  rather  anomalous  posi 
tion.  Since  she  wras  absent,  however,  he  would 
while  away  an  hour  with  Madge,  and  try  to  solve 
the  riddle  she  had  become. 

She  greeted  him  with  a  slight  smile,  and  went  on 
with  her  letter.  He  watched  her  curiously  and 
with  contracting  brow. 

:<  Will  you  ever  finish  that  letter?"  he  soon 
asked. 

"  I  can  read  it  some  other  time,"  she  said,  laying 
it  down. 

"  Oh,  that  is  asking  far  too  much  !" 

"  Is  it?" 

"  Confound  it,  Madge  !  Why  is  it  that  we  arc 
drifting  farther  and  farther  apart  every  day  ?" 

''  I  am  not  drifting,"  she  said,  quietly,  "  nor  do 
you  give  that  impression.  I  am  just  where  you 


DECLARATION   OF  INDEPENDENCE.  205 

found    me   on    your    return.      Since    we    are    so    far 
apart  you  must  be  doing  the  journeying." 

'  Well,     Heaven    knows    I     found    you    distant 
enough  !" 

I  beg  your  pardon  ;  Heaven  knows  nothing  of 
the  kind.  It's  not  my  fault  that  you  value  friend 
ship  so  lightly. " 

'  You  know  I  wished  for  so  much  more." 
'You  thought  you  did  at  first,  Graydon,"  she 
replied,  with  a  quiet  smile,  "but  I  imagine  that 
you  soon  became  quite  reconciled  to  my  view  of 
the  case.  The  relation  would  surely  prove  embar 
rassing  to  you.  Haven't  you  since  thought  that  it 
might?"  she  asked,  with  sweet  directness. 

He  colored  visibly,  and  was  provoked  with  him 
self  that  he  did.  '  If  you  persist  in  being  at 
swords'  points  with  Miss  Wildmere —  "  he  began, 
hesitatingly. 

I  persist  in  being  simply  myself,  and  true  to 
my  own  perceptions.  Wherein  have  I  failed  in 
courtesy  toward  Miss  Wildmere?" 

But  you  dislike  her  most  cordially." 
"  And   you    like    her    most    cordially    and    more. 
1  lave  I  not  granted  your  perfect  right  to  do  so  ?" 

If  you  were  even  the  friend  you  claim  to  be, 
you  would  not  be  so  indifferent." 

I  have  not  said  I  was  indifferent.  Miss  Wild- 
mere  is  far  from  indifferent  to  me.  What  have  I 
done  to  gain  her  ill-will  ?" 

Much,  as  human  nature  goes.  You  have  made 
yourself  her  rival  in  beauty  and  attractiveness." 

Is  that   human   nature?      If  that  is  the  cause'  of 


206  A    YOLLVG   GIKL'S  IV GOING. 

her  hostility   I    should   say   it   is   Miss    Wildmcrc's 
nature. " 

Let  us  change  the  subject,"  said  Gray  don,  a 
little  irritably.  '  \Ye  shall  not  agree  on  this  point, 
I  fear  ;  you  share  in  Henry's  prejudices." 

I  did  not  introduce  the  subject,  Gray  don,  and  I 
think  for  myself." 

Hang  it  all,  Madge  !  you  are  so  changed  I 
scarcely  know  you.  Every  time  we  meet  I  find  you 
more  of  a  conundrum.  Friend,  indeed  !  You  cer 
tainly  have  been  a  distant  one  in  every  sense.  If  I 
had  been  the  friend  you  say  I  was,  you  would  have 
written  me  about  the  marvellous  transformation  you 
were  accomplishing." 

She  sprung  up,  and  her  dark  eyes  flashed  indig 
nantly.  "  I  am  beginning  to  think  that  you  are 
changed  more  than  I,"  she  said,  impetuously. 
You  know,  or  might,  if  you  took  the  trouble,  that 
I  did  not  tell  Mary,  my  own  sister,  of  my  progress 
toward  health  and  strength.  My  wish  to  give  you 
all  a  pleasant  surprise  may  seem  a  little  thing  to 
you,  or  you  may  give  some  sinister,  unnatural 
meaning  to  the  act.  It  was  not  a  little  thing  to  go 
away  '  a  ghost,  a  wraith,'  as  you  were  wont  to  call 
me, — it  was  not  a  little  thing  to  go  away  alone, 
perhaps  to  die,  as  I  then  felt.  Nor  was  it  a  little 
thing  to  battle  for  weary  months  with  weakness  of 
mind  and  body,  morbid  timidity,  indolence,  igno 
rance,  and  everything  that  was  contrary  to  my  ideal 
of  womanhood.  I  can  say  thus  much  in  sell- 
defence.  Was  there  harm  in  my  adding  some  in 
centive  to  a  hard  sense  of  duty  ?  I  felt  that  if  I 


DECLARATION   Of'   INDEPENDENCE.  207 

could  change  for  the  better  and  keep  my  secret  I 
could  give  you  all  a  glad  surprise.  I  had  almost  a 
child's  pleasure  in  the  thought.  Mary  and  Henry 
iewarded  me,  but  you  are  spoiling  it  all.  You  at 
once  make  an  impossible  demand,  and  discover, 
within  twenty-four  hours,  how  awkward  my  compli 
ance  would  have  been.  I  did  not  know  you  so  long 
without  gaining  the  power  of  guessing  your 
thoughts.  I  suggested  a  simple,  natural  relation, 
and  as  the  result  I  have  become  a  'conundrum.' 
A  charming  title,  truly  !  I  shall  remain  a  simple, 
natural  girl,  and  when  you  are  through  with  your 
riddle  theories  perhaps  you  will  treat  me  as  I  think 
you  might  in  view  of  old  times  ;"  and  she  started 
swiftly  toward  the  house. 

Madge  !"  cried  Graydon,  springing  up  and  fol 
lowing  her. 

At  that  moment  Miss  Wildmcre  approached,  and 
Madge  gained  the  piazza  and  disappeared,  leaving 
Graydon  ill  disposed  toward  himself  and  all  the 
world,  even  including  Miss  Wildmere  ;  for  she  had 
a  charming  color,  and  appeared  not  in  the  least  a 
victim  to  ennui  because  of  forced  association  with 
an  objectionable  part\r.  She  came  smilingly  toward 
him,  saying,  "  It's  too  bad  to  interrupt  your  hot 
pursuit  of  another  lady,  but  girls  have  not  much 
conscience  in  such  matters." 

As  long  as  you  have  conscience  in  other  mat 
ters,  it  does  not  signify,"  he  answered,  mean 
ingly. 

Not  conscience,  but  another  organ,  controls 
our  action  chiefly,  I  imagine,"  she  replied,  with  a 


20.S  A 

glance  that  gave  emphasis  to  her  words  of  the  pre 
vious  evening,  and  she  passed  smilingly  on. 

Arnault  soon  followed  her,  spoke  pleasantly  to 
Graydon,  and,  having  obtained  a  morning  paper, 
was  at  once  absorbed  in  its  contents. 

He  does  not  appear  like  a  baffled  suitor  who 
has  enjoyed  only  a  veiled  tolerance,"  was  Giay- 
don's  thought.  '  Things  will  come  out  all  right  in 
the  end,  I  suppose,  but  they  certainly  are  not  pio- 
ceeding  as  I  expected.  Stella  will  be  mine  event 
ually, — it  were  treason  to  think  otherwise, --but  she- 
is  carrying  it  off  rather  boldly  to  keep  Arnault  so 
complacent  at  the  same  time.  As  far  as  Madge  is 
concerned,  I've  been  a  fool  and  made  a  mess  of  it. 
How  in  the  mischief  has  she  been  able  to  divine  my 
very  thoughts  !  She  is  wrong  in  one  respect,  how 
ever.  If  she  had  felt  and  acted  toward  me  like  a 
sister  I  would  have  been  loyal  to  her,  and  would 
have  compelled  even  Miss  Wildmere  to  recognize 
her  rights.  I  am  not  so  far  gone  but  that  I  can  act 
in  a  straightforward,  honorable  way.  My  accept 
ance  of  her  action  was  an  afterthought,  a  philo 
sophical  way  I  have  of  making  the  best  of  every 
thing.  I  now  believe  that  it  has  turned  out  for  the 
best,  but  I  have  been  guilty  of  no  cold-blooded  cal 
culation.  Very  well,  I'll  treat  her  as  a  simple,  nat 
ural  girl  and  my  very  good  friend,  and  see  how  this 
course  works.  Not  that  she  is  a  simple  girl.  I've 
met  too  many  of  that  kind,  and  of  those  also  who 
enshroud  themselves  in  a  cloud  of  little  feminine 
mysteries,  all  transparent  enough  to  one  of  experi 
ence  ;  but  Madge  does  puzzle  me.  She  has  not 


DECLARATIOX   OF   INDEPENDENCE.  209 

explained  herself  with  her  fine  burst  of  indignation, 
love  !  how  handsome  she  \vas  !  She  ever  gives  the 
impression  that  there  is  something  back  of  all  she 
says  and  does.  Even  Henry  feels  it  in  his  dim  way, 
but  that  lightning  flash  made  it  clear  that  it  is  some 
thing  of  which  she  need  not  be  ashamed.  Since 
she  has  learned  to  read  me  so  understandingly,  I 
\vill  try  to  fathom  her  thoughts.  Perhaps  friend- 
-hip  does  mean  more  to  her  than  to  others.  If  so, 
I'll  be  as  true  a  friend  to  her  as  she  to  me.  If  I 
grant  Stella  such  broad  privileges  with  Arnault,  she 
must  admit  mine  with  one  of  whom  it  would  be 
absurd  to  be  jealous  ;"  and,  with  cogitations  like 
i he  above,  he  also  pretended  to  read  his  paper,  and 
finished  his  ci^ar. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

NOT      R  T  R  n  X  G     IX      V  A  I  N  . 

GRAY  DON  dreaded  embarrassment  when  meet 
ing  Madge  at  dinner,  but  was  agreeably  dis 
appointed.  There  was  nothing  in  the  young  girl's 
manner  which  suggested  a  vexed  consciousness  of 
their  recent  interview,  neither  were  there  covert 
overtures,  even  in  tones,  toward  more  friendly 
relations.  lie  saw  that  if  any  were  made  lie  must 
make  them.  Madge  was  merely  too  well  bred  to 
show  anger  in  public,  or  occasion  surmises  that 
would  require  explanations.  During  the  meal  she 
spoke  of  missing  her  horseback  exercise,  and  said 
that  she  meant  to  ask  Dr.  Sommers  if  he  did  not 
know  of  a  good  animal  that  might  be  hired  for  a 
few  weeks.  Grayclon  at  once  resolved  to  make  a 
propitiatory  offering,  and  to  go  out  with  Madge 
when  Miss  \Yildmcre  was  unattainable.  For  the 
time  he  was  content  to  imitate  Madge's  tactics,  and 
acted  as  if  he  intended  to  follow  the  course  that  she 
had  suggested.  The  fact  that  Arnault  was  so  evi 
dently  enjoying  his  dinner  and  the  Wildmere  smiles 
did  not  detract  from  his  purpose  to  prove  that  lie 
also  was  not  without  resources.  Moreover,  he  felt 


21  1 

that  he  had  not  treated  Madge  fairly  ;  he  had  been 
truly  fond  of  her,  and  now  was  conscious  of  a  grow 
ing  respect.  As  she  had  said,  it  was  not  a  little 
thing  that  she  had  attempted  and  accomplished,  and 
there  had  been  small  ground  for  his  discontent. 
After  dinner,  however,  he  found  a  chance  to  en 
sconce  himself  by  Miss  Wildmere  on  the  piazza,  and 
he  was  fully  resolved  to  lose  no  such  opportunities. 

Madge,  with  the  Muir  children,  passed  him  on 
the  way  to  a  small  lake  on  which  she  had  promised 
to  give  the  little  people  a  row.  lie  took  off  his  hat 
in  cordial  courtesy,,  and  she  recognized  him  with  a 
brief  smile,  in  which  Miss  Wildmere  could  detect 
no  apprehension. 

"I  hope  that  'sister  Madge,'  as  you  call  her, 
does  not  resent  my  enjoyment  of  your  society." 

Not  in  the  least.  I  feel,  however,  that  I  have 
been  neglecting  her  shamefully,  and  propose  to 
make  amends." 

Indeed  ;  has  she  brought  you  to  a  sense  of  your 
shortcomings  ?  This  scarcely  bears  out  your  first 
remark. " 

'It  is  nothing  against  its  truth.  Miss  Alden 
makes  it  very  clear  that  she  is  not  dependent  on  me 
or  any  one  for  enjoyment  ;  but  in  view  of  the  past  I 
have  been  scarcely  courteous.  Therefore,"  he 
added,  with  a  laugh,  "when  Arnault  monopolizes 
you  I  shall  console  myself  with  Madge." 

"  And  therefore  I  shall  feel  the  less  compunction. 
Th, ink  you. 

1  am  glad  to  take  the  least  thorn  from  the  roses 
of  your  life."  was  his  smiling  answer. 


212  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

She  veiled  close  scrutiny  under  her  reply  :  "  I 
fear  the  brilliant  Miss  Aldcn  will  cause  my  society 
to  appear  commonplace  in  contrast." 

I  do  not  see  ho\v  you  can  fear  anything  of  the 
kind,"  \vas  his  prompt  answer  ;  "  I  trust  you,  and 
you  must  trust  me." 

:<  I  do  trust  you,  Mr.  Muir,"  she  said,  softly. 

Before  he  could  speak  again  nurses  and  children 
came  streaming  and  screaming  from  the  lake  toward 
the  house.  :'  Nellie  "Wilder  is  drowned,"  was  the 
burden  of  their  dire  message. 

Graydon  sprung  down  the  steps,  and  rushed  with 
the  fleetness  of  the  wind  toward  the  lake. 

As  Madge,  with  Jennie  and  Harry  Muir,  ap 
proached  the  water,  they  saw  a  party  of  children 
playing  carelessly  in  a  boat,  and  a  moment  later  a 
little  girl  fell  overboard.  The  boat  was  in  motion 
toward  the  shore,  and  when  she  rose  it  had  passed 
beyond  her  reach.  Her  companions  gave  way  to 
wild  panic,  and,  instead  of  trying  to  save  her, 
screamed  and  pulled  for  land.  \o  one  was  present 
except  nurses  and  other  children,  and  they  all 
joined  in  the  wild,  helpless  chorus  of  alarm,  and 
began  a  stampede  toward  the  hotel. 

Madge  saw  that  if  the  child  was  saved  she  must 
act  promptly  and  wisely.  To  the  Muir  children  she 
said,  authoritatively,  "  Sit  down  where  you  are  and 
don't  move."  Then  she  rushed  forward  and  unfast 
ened  a  skiff.  As  she  did  so  the  child  rose  for  the 
last  time  and  sunk  again  with  a  gurgling  cry. 
Keeping  her  eye  fixed  on  the  spot,  and  with  an  oar 
in  her  hand,  Madge  pushed  away  from  the  shore 


213 

vigorously  with  her  feet,  and  with  the  impetus 
sprung  upon  the  narrow  stern-sheets,  then  crept 
forward  toward  the  bow,  at  the  same  time  ever 
keeping  her  eyes  fixed  unwaveringly  on  the  spot 
where  the  child  had  sunk,  from  which  widening 
circles  were  eddying.  The  nurses  and  children  who 
had  not  started  for  the  house,  seeing  that  a  rescue 
was  attempted,  looked  on  with  breathless  dread 
and  suspense. 

When  the  impetus  that  Madge  had  first  given  to 
the  skiff  ceased,  she  kept  the  little  craft  in  motion 
by  paddling,  first  on  one  side,  -then  on  the  other, 
her  eyes  still  fixed  on  one  point  in  the  dark  water. 
At  last  this  point  seemed  almost  beneath  her  ;  she 
dropped  the  oar,  stooped,  and  peered  over  the  side 
of  the  boat.  After  a  moment's  hesitation  she  ap 
peared  to  those  on  shore  to  have  lost  her  balance, 
fallen  overboard,  and  sunk.  Renewed  screams  of 
terror  resounded,  and  the  Muir  children  fled  toward 
the  hotel,  crying,  "  Aunt  Madge  is  drowned." 

'  What  do  you  mean  ?"  Graydon  gasped,  sei/.ing 
1  larry  by  the  arm. 

O  Uncle  Graydon  !  run  quick.  Aunt  Madge 
fell  out  of  a  boat  under  water." 

A  moment  later  he  saw  the  young  girl  rise  to  the 
surface  with  a  child  in  her  grasp.  With  one  head 
long  plunge,  and  a  few  strong  strokes,  he  was  at  her 
side,  exclaiming,  "Great  God,  Madge!  what  does 
this  mean  ?" 

Take  her  to  the  shore,  quick  ;  no  matter  about 
me  ;"  and  she  pushed  the  limp  and  apparently  life 
less  form  into  his  arms. 


214  .-/    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

But,  Madge —  '  he  began. 

'  Haste  !  haste  !  and  the  child  may  be  saved. 
Don't  think  of  me  ;  I  can  swim  as  \vell  as  you  ;" 
and  she  struck  out  toward  the  shore. 

Wondering,  and  thrilled  with  admiration,  in  spite 
of  the  confusion  of  his  thoughts,  he  did  as  directed, 
and  took  the  child  to  land  at  once. 

Madge  was  there  as  soon  as  he,  crying,  even  be 
fore  she  left  the  water,  "  Run  for  Dr.  Sommers,  and 
if  not  at  home  ride  after  him." 

Meanwhile  gentlemen  and  employes  of  the  house 
were  arriving,  and  some  turned  back  in  search  of 
the  physician. 

The  awful  tidings  had  come  upon  poor  Mrs. 
Wilder,  the  mother  of  the  child,  like  a  bolt  out  of  a 
clear  sky,  and  she  had  run  screaming  and  moaning 
toward  the  scene  of  disaster.  Mother  love  had 
given  her  almost  superhuman  strength  ;  but  when 
she  saw  the  pale  little  face  on  the  ground,  with  the 
hue  of  death  upon  it,  she  crouched  beside  it  in 
speechless  agon}-,  and  watched  the  efforts  that  were 
made  to  bring  back  consciousness. 

Madge  led  and  directed  these  efforts.  In  truth, 
she  did  as  much  to  save  the  child  on  land  as  when 
it  had  lain  submerged  on  the  muddy  bottom  of  the 
pond.  Graydon,  seeing  that  she  was  coming  up  the 
bank,  had  paused  a  moment  irresolutely,  and  then 
was  about  to  start  for  the  hotel  with  his  burden. 
Madge  caught  his  arm,  and  took  the  child  from  him. 
Graydon,  take  off  your  coat  and  give  it  to  me," 
.'he  said,  imperatively,  as  she  laid  tlu  child  down 
on  its  back  ;  "  your  handkerchief,  also,"  she  added. 


A'OT   STRONG   /A"   VAIN'.  215 

She  forced  open  the  pale  lips,  and  wiped  out  the 
mouth  \vith  marvellous  celerity,  paying  no  heed  to 
rhe  clamorous  voices  around  her.  "  Some  one  give 
me  a  sharp  knife,"  she  cried,  "  and  don't  crowd  so 
near. " 

Lifting  the  child's  clothing  at  the  throat,  she  cut 
it  downward  to  the  waist,  then  down  each  arm, 
leaving  the  lovely  little  form  exposed  and  free. 
Dropping  the  knife,  she  next  rolled  the  coat  into  a 
bundle,  turned  the  child  over  so  that  her  abdomen 
should  rest  upon  it  ;  then  with  hands  pressed  rather 
strongly  on  each  side  of  the  little  back,  Madge 
sought  to  expel  the  water  that  might  have  been 
swallowed.  Turning  the  child  over  on  her  back 
again,  the  bundle  made  by  the  coat  was  placed 
under  the  small  of  her  back,  so  as  to  raise  the  chest. 
Then,  catching  the  little  tongue  that  had  awakened 
merry  echoes  but  a  few  moments  before,  she  drew 
it  out  of  the  mouth  to  one  side  by  the  aid  of 
the  handkerchief,  and  said  to  Graydon,  '  Hold 
it,  so." 

All  now  saw  that  they  were  witnessing  skilled 
efforts.  Discordant  advice  ceased,  and  the}'  looked 
on  with  breathless  interest. 

'lias  any  one  smelling  salts?"  Madge  asked. 
There  was  no  response.  She  snatched  a  bit  of 
grass  and  tickled  the  child's  nose,  saying,  at  the 
same  time,  "  Bring  water."  This,  after  a  few  sec 
onds,  she  dashed  over  the  face  and  exposed  chest, 
waited  an  instant,  then  gave  her  patient  a  skip  over 
the  pit  of  the  stomach. 

(iraydon,    kneeling    before    her,    looked    on    with 


silent  amazement.  Her  glorious  eyes  shone  with 
an  absorbed  and  merciful  purpose  ;  she  was  oblivi 
ous  of  her  own  strange  appearance,  the  masses  of 
her  loosening  hair  falling  over  and  veiling  the 
lovely  form  outlined  clearly  by  the  \vet  and  cling 
ing  drapery  of  her  summer  dress.  Others  looked 
on  in  wonder,  too,  and  with  a  respect  akin  to  awe. 
Among  them  were  her  sister  and  Henry  Muir,  Mr. 
Arnault,  and  Miss  Wildmere, — her  feelings  divided 
between  envy  and  commiseration  for  the  child  and 
its  stricken  mother. 

These  first  simple  efforts  having  no  apparent 
effect,  Madge  said,  quietly,  "  We  must  try  artificial 
respiration.  Move  a  little  more  to  one  side,  Gray- 
don." 

Kneeling  behind  the  child,  she  lifted  the  little 
arms  quickly  but  steadily  up,  over  and  clown,  until 
they  lay  upon  the  ground  behind  the  wet  golden 
curls.  This  motion  drew  the  ribs  up,  expanded 
the  chest  and  permitted  air  to  enter  it.  After 
two  or  three  seconds  Madge  reversed  the  motion 
and  pressed  the  arms  firmly  against  the  chest,  to 
expel  the  air.  This  alternate  motion  was  kept 
up  regularly  at  about  the  rate  of  sixteen  times  a 
minute,  until  the  sound  of  a  galloping  horse  was 
heard,  and  the  crowd  parted  for  Dr.  Sommers.  He 
took  in  the  situation  with  his  quick  eye,  and  said, 

Miss  Alden,  let  me  take  your  place." 

Oh,  thank  God,  you  are  here  !"  she  exclaimed. 

Let  me  hold  her  tongue,  Graydon  ;  I  must  do 
something. " 

'  Yes,    Mr.    Muir,"    added   the   physician  ;    "  let 


NOT  STRONG   IN  VAIN.  217 

her   help   me  ;  she   knows  just   what   to  do.      How 
long  was  the  child  under  water?" 

I  don't  know  exactly  ;   not  long." 
'  Not  more  than  four  or  five  minutes  ?" 
"  I  think  not." 

'  There  should  be  hope,  then." 
'We  must   save  her!"   cried   Madge.       'I  once 
saw   people   work   over  an   hour  before   there  were 
signs  of  life. " 

"  Oh,  God  bless  your  brave  heart  !"  murmured 
the  poor  mother.  '  You  won't  leave  my  child,— 
you  won't  let  them  give  her  up,  will  you  ?" 

'  No,  Mrs.  Wilder,  not   for  one  hour  or  two.      I 
believe  that  your  little  girl  will  be  saved." 

Have  some  brandy  ready,"  said  Dr.  Sommers. 

A  flask  was   produced,  and    Graydon   again    knelt 

near,  to  have  it   in   readiness,  while  the  doctor  kept 

up  his  monotonous  effort,  pressing  the  arms  against 

the   luniks,  then   lifting  them    above   the   head    and 

O       '  O 

back  to   the  ground,  with   regular  and   mechanical 
iteration. 

The  child's  eyelids  began  to  tremble.  "  Ah  !" 
exclaimed  the  doctor  ;  a  moment  later  there  was  a 
slight  choking  cough,  and  a  glad  cry  went  up  from 
the  throng. 

'  The  brandy,"  said  the  doctor. 

Madge  now  gave  up  the  case  to  him  and  Gray- 
don,  and  slipped  down  beside  the  mother,  who  was 
swaying  from  side  to  side.  'Don't  faint,"  she 
s;iid  ;  "  your  child  will  need  you  as  soon  as  she  is 
c<  inscious.  " 

"Oh,    Heaven  bless   you  !     I  leaven    bless   you  !" 


2i8  .•/    YOUNG    G/A'L'S   II'OOLYG. 

cried    the   mother  ;    "  you   have   saved  my  only,  my 
darling. 

'  Yes,  madam,  you  are  right.  It's  all  plain  sail 
ing  now,"  the  doctor  added. 

Then  Madge  became  guilty  of  her  first  useless 
act.  In  strong  revulsion  she  fainted  dead  away. 
In  a  moment  her  head  was  on  Mrs.  Muir's  lap,  and 
Henry  Muir  was  at  her  side. 

Poor  girl  !  no  wonder.  There's  not  a  woman 
in  a  hundred  thousand  who  could  do  what  she  has 
done.  There,  don't  worry  about  her.  Put  her  in 
my  carriage  with  Mrs.  Muir,  and  take  her  to  her 
room;  I'll  be  there  soon.  She'll  come  out  all  right  ; 
such  girls  always  do." 

Meanwhile  Mr.  Muir  and  Grayclon  were  carrying 
out  the  doctor's  directions,  and  the  unconscious  girl 
was  borne  rapidly  to  her  apartment,  where,  under 
her  sister's  ministrations,  she  soon  revived. 

Almost  her  first  conscious  words,  after  being  as 
sured  that  the  child  was  safe,  were,  "  (.)  Mary! 
what  a  guy  I  must  have  appeared  !  What  will 
Graydon — I  mean  all  who  saw  me  think?" 

They'll  think  things  that  might  well  turn  any 
girl's  head.  As  for  Graydon,  he  is  waiting  outside 
now,  half  crazy  with  anxiety  to  receive  a  message 
from  you." 

'  Tell  him  I  made  a  fool  of  myself,  and  he  must 
not  speak  about  it  again  on  the  pain  of  my  dis 
pleasure.  " 

'  Well,  you  have  come  to,"  said  Mrs.  Muir,  and 
then  she  went  and  laughingly  delivered  the  message 
verbatim,  adding,  "  Go  and  put  on  dry  clothes. 


NOT   STRONG   IN   VAIN.  219 

You'll  catch  your  death  with  those  \vct  things  on, 
:md  you  look  like  a  scarecrow." 

He   departed,   more   pu/c/.led    over    Madge    Alden 
•  han    ever,  hut    admitting   to    himself   that    she  had 
anied  the  right  to  be  anything  she  pleased. 

Dr.  Sommers  continued  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the 
little  girl,  chafing  her  wrists  and  bod}'  with  the 
.  >randy,  and  occasionally  giving  a  few  drops  until 
,  irculation  was  well  restored  ;  and  then,  at  her 
mother's  side,  carried  the  child  to  her  room,  and 
gave  directions  to  those  who  were  waiting  to 
assist. 

When  he  entered  Madge's  apartment,  she  greeted 
him  with  the  words,  "  What  a  silly  thing  I  did  !" 

Not  at  all,  not  at  all.  You  made  your  exit 
gracefully,  and  escaped  the  plaudits  which  a  brave 
girl  like  you  wouldn't  enjoy.  i  take  off  my  hat  to 
vou,  as  we  country-folks  say.  \  on  are  a  heroine, — 
as  good  a  doctor  as  I  on  shore  and  a  better  one  in 
the  water.  Where  did  you  learn  it  all  ?" 

Nonsense  !"  said  Madge,  "  nothing  would  vex 
me  more  than  to  have  a  time  made  over  the  affair. 
It's  all  as  simple  as  a,  b,  c.  What's  that  little  pond 
;o  one  who  has  been  used  to  swimming  in  the 
Pacific  !  As  1  said,  1  saw  a  girl  restored  once,  and 
Mr.  Wayland  has  explained  to  me  again  and  again 
lust  what  to  do. 

( )h  yes,  it's  all  simple  enough  if  you  know 
how,  but  that's  just  the  trouble.  In  all  that  croud 
[  don't  believe  there  was  one  who  would  not  have 
done  the  wrong  thing.  Well,  well,  I  can  manage 
now  if  I'm  obeyed.  You've  had  a  good  deal  of  a 


220  A    YOUNG   GI-XL'S   WOOING. 

shock,  and    you    must    keep    quiet    till    to-morrow. 
Then  I'll  see." 

Madge  laughingly  protested  that  nothing  would 
please  her  better  than  a  good  supper  and  a  good 
book.  "  Please  give  out  also,"  she  said,  "  that  any 
reference  to  the  affair  will  have  a  very  injurious 
influence  on  me." 

In  spite  of  the  doctor,  messages  and  flowers 
poured  in.  At  last  Mrs.  Wilder  came  and  said  to 
Mrs.  Muir,  "  I  must  see  her,  if  it  is  safe." 

'  It's  safe  enough,"  Mrs.  Muir  began,  "  only 
Madge  doesn't  like  so  much  made  of  it." 

'  I  won't  say  much,"  pleaded  the  mother.  She 
did  not  say  anything,  but  put  her  arms  around 
Madge 'and  pressed  her  tear-stained  face  upon  the 
young  girl's  bosom  in  long,  passionate  embrace, 
then  hastened  back  to  her  restored  treasure,  who 
was  sleeping  quietly.  Madge's  eyes  were  wet  also, 
and  she  turned  her  face  to  the  wall  and  breathed 
softly  to  herself,  "  Whatever  happens  now — and  it's 
plain  enough  what  will  happen — I  did  not  get 
strong  in  vain.  Graydon  can  never  think  me  alto 
gether  weak  and  lackadaisical  again,  and  I  have 
saved  one  woman's  heart  front  anguish,  however  my 
own  may  ache." 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

M  ARE    YOU  R    TERMS. 

GRAYDON'S  uppermost  thought  now  was  to 
make  his  peace  with  Madge.  He  dismissed 
all  his  former  theories  about  her  as  absurd,  and  felt 
that,  whether  he  understood  her  or  not,  she  had 
become  a  splendid  woman,  of  whose  friendship  he 
might  well  be  proud,  and  accept  it  on  any  terms 
that  pleased  her.  He  also  was  sure  that  Miss  Wild- 
mere's  prejudices  would  be  banished  at  once  and 
forever  by  Madge's  heroism,  believing  that  the  girl's 
hostile  feeling  was  clue  only  to  the  natural  jealousy 
of  social  rivals.  "  If  Stella  does  not  regard  Madge's 

« 

action  with  generous   enthusiasm,  I   shall   think  the 
worse  of  her,"  was  his  masculine  conclusion. 

The  wily  girl  was  not  so  obtuse  as  to1  be  unaware 
of  this,  and  when  he  came  down  she  said  all  he 
could  wish  in  praise  of  Madge,  but  took  pains  to 
enlarge  upon  his  own  courage.  At  this  he  pooh- 
poohed  emphatically.  '  What  was  that  duck-pond 
of  a  lake  to  a  man  !"  he  said.  '  Madge  herself  has 
become  an  expert  ocean-swimmer,  I  am  told.  She 
wasn't  afraid  of  the  water.  It  was  her  skill  in  find 
ing  the  child  beneath  it,  and  in  resuscitation  after 
ward,  that  chiefly  commands  my  admiration." 


222  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   IV 00 ING. 

"  Oh,  dear  !"  cried  the  girl,  "  what  can  /  do  to 
command  your  admiration  ?" 

'  You  know  well,  Miss  Wilclmere,  that  you  com 
mand  much  more." 

She  blushed,  smiled,  and  looked  around  a  little 
apprehensively. 

Don't  be  alarmed,"   he  added  ;    "I   have  such 
confidence  in  you  that  I  will  bide  your  time." 

'  Thank  you,  Graydon,"  she  whispered,  and 
hastened  away,  leaving;  him  supremely  happy.  It 
was  the  first  time  she  had  called  him  "  Graydon." 

Seeing  Dr.  Sommers  emerging  from  the  hotel,  he 
hastened  after  him,  bent  on  procuring  a  peace-offer 
ing  for  Madge, — the  finest  horse  that  could  be  had 
in  the  region. 

"  I  know  of  one  a  few  miles  from  here,"  said  the 
doctor.  '  He's  a  splendid  animal,  but  a  high  and 
mighty  stepper.  I  don't  believe  that  even  she 
could  manage  him." 

'  I'll  break  him  in  for  her,  never  fear.  Of  course 
I  won't  let  her  take  any  risks." 

'  Well,  leave  it  to  me,  then.  I  can  manage  it. 
He's  awfully  headstrong,  though.  I  give  you  fair 
warning. " 

'  Take  me  to  see  him  as  soon  as  you  can  ;  the 
horse,  I  mean,  or,  rather,  both  man  and  horse." 

To-morro\v  morning,  then.     I  have  patients  out 
that  way." 

At  supper  and  during  the  evening  Madge  and  her 
exploit  were  the  themes  of  conversation.  Some 
tried  to  give  Graydon  a  part  of  the  credit,  but  he 
laughed  so  contemptuously  at  the  idea  that  he  was 


MAKK    YOL'R    TEKMS.  223 

let  alone.  Henry  Muir  did  not  say  much,  but 
looked  a  great  deal,  and  \vith  Gray don  listened  at 
tentively  as  his  wife  explained  how  it  was  that 
Madge  had  proved  equal  to  the  emergency. 

\Vliy  don't  more  people  follow  her  example?" 
said  the  practical  man,  "  and  learn  how  to  do  some 
thing  definite  ?  As  she  explains  the  rescue,  there 
was  nothing  remarkable  in  it.  If  she  could  swim 
and  dive  in  the  ocean  for  sport,  she  would  not  be 
much  afraid  to  do  the  same  in  that  so-called  lake, 
to  save  life.  As  to  her  action  on  shore,  the  knowl 
edge  she  used  is  given  in  books  and  manuals. 
What's  more,  she  had  seen  it  done.  But  most  peo 
ple  are  so  pointless  and  shiftless  that  they  never 
know  just  what  to  do  in  an  emergency,  no  matter 
what  their  opportunities  for  information  may  have 
been. " 

Now  you  hit  me,"  Graydon  remarked,  ruefully. 
Left  to  myself  1  should  have  finished  the  young- 
one,  for  I  was  about  to  run  to  the  hotel  with  her,  a 
course  that  I  now  see  would  have  been  as  fatal  as 
idiotic. " 

Madge  says,"  Mrs.  Muir  continued,  "  that  they 
used  to  bathe  a  great  deal,  and  that  Mr.  Wayland 
explained  just  what  should  be  done  in  all  the  possi 
ble  emergencies  of  their  out-door  life  at  Santa  Bar 
bara.  " 

Wayland  is  a  level-headed  man.  If  he  is  book 
ish,  he's  not  a  dreamer  with  his  head  in  the  clouds. 
Madge  was  in  good  hands  with  them,  and  proves  it 
ever}'  day. 

I    think   slit;   shows  the   influence  of  Mrs.  \Vav- 


224  A    VOf/.VG    GfKL'S   n'OO/A'G. 

land  even  more  than  that  of  her  husband.  Fanny 
is  a  very  accomplished  woman,  and  saw  a  great  deal 
of  society  in  her  younger  days." 

"  Confound  it  all  !  Why  didn't  you  tell  me  that 
Madge  had  been  living  with  two  paragons?"  said 
Gray  don. 

"Oh,  you  have  been  so  occupied  with  another 
paragon  that  there  has  not  been  much  chance  to  tell 
you  anything,"  was  Mrs.  Muir's  consoling  reply. 

Madge  has  not  been  made  what  she  is  by  para 
gons,"  Mr.  Muir  remarked,  dryly.  "She  made 
herself.  They  only  helped  her,  and  couldn't  have 
helped  a  silly  woman." 

It's  time  you  were  jealous,  Mary,"  said  Gray- 
don,  laughing. 

Mary  isn't  a  silly  woman.  I  should  hope  that 
no  Muir  would  marry  one." 

I  sec  no  prospect  of  it,"  was  the  rather  cold 
reply. 

I  fear  I  see  a  worse  prospect,"  was  his  brother's 
thought.  "  Of  what  use  are  his  eyes  or  senses  after 
what  he  has  seen  to-day  ?'' 

Mrs.  Muir  had  explained  to  some  lady  friends 
about  Madge,  and  the  information  was  passing  into 

o     '  r  o 

general  circulation, — the  ladies  rapidly  coming  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  young  girl's  action  \vas  not 
so  remarkable  after  all,  which  was  true  enough. 
The  men,  however,  retained  their  enthusiastic  ad 
miration,  although  it  must  be  admitted  that  its  in 
spiration  was  clue  largely  to  Madge's  beauty. 

Of  course  women  have  done  braver  things," 
said  one  man,  with  sporting  tendencies,  "  but  it  was 


MAKE    YOUR    TERMS.  225 

the  neat,  gamy  way  in  which  she  did  it  that  took 
my  eye.  Her  method  was  as  complete  and  rounded 
out  as  herself.  Jove  !  as  she  bent  over  that  child 
she  was  a  nymph  that  would  turn  the  head  of  a 
Greek. " 

She     has     evidently     turned     the     head      of     a 
Cyprian,"  laughed  one  of  his  friends. 

"Come,  that's  putting  it  too  strong,"  said  the 
man,  with  a  frown.  'I'll  affect  no  airs,  though. 
I'm  not  a  saint,  as  you  all  know,  but  the  aspect  of 
that  girl,  in  her  self- forgetful  effort,  might  well 
make  me  wish  I  were  one.  She  is  as  good  and 
pure-hearted  as  the  child  she  saved.  If  there  had 
been  a  flaw  in  the  white  marble  of  her  nature  she 
would  have  been  self-conscious.  An  angel  from 
heaven  couldn't  have  been  more  absorbed  in  the 
one  impulse  to  save." 

Graydon  had  approached  the  group  unobserved, 
and  heard  these  words.  He  walked  away,  smiling, 
with  the  thought,  "  My  sentiments,  clearly  ex 
pressed. 

The  night  was  warm,  and  he  saw  Miss  YVildmere 
and  Arnault  going  out  for  a  stroll.  Following  a 
half-defined  inclination,  he  bent  his  steps  toward 
the  lake.  The  moon  was  mirrored  in  its  glassy  sur 
face,  the  place  silent  and  deserted.  \Yith  slight 
effort  of  fancy  he  called  up  the  scene  again.  He 
saw  in  the  moonlight  the  fairy  form  of  the  child, 
and  what  even  others  had  regarded  as  the  embodi 
ment  of  human  loveliness  and  truth  bending  over  it. 
And  she  was  the  little  ghost  that  once  haunted 
:ne,"  he  thought,  "and  seemed  all  eyes  and  affec- 


226  A    YOTNG    GTXL'S   WOOING. 

tion.  IIo\v  those  eyes  used  to  welcome  and  turn 
to  me,  as  if  in  some  subtile  way  she  drew  from  me 
the  power  to  exist  at  all.  I  wish  I  could  follow  the 
processes  of  her  change  from  the  hour  of  our  part 
ing,  and  see  how  I  passed  from  what  I  was  to  her  to 
what  I  am  now.  She  does  not  seem  to  forget  or 
ignore  the  past.  She  is  not  conventional,  and 
never  was  ;  hence,  friendship  may  not  mean  what  it 
does  to  so  many  of  her  sex  and  age, — a  little 
moony  sentiment  blended  with  calculation  as  to  a 
fellow's  usefulness.  If  we  could  enjoy  something 
of  the  good-comradeship  that  obtains  between  man 
and  man,  she  is  the  one  woman  of  the  world  with 
whom  I  should  covet  the  relation.  Stella,  in  her 
self,  is  all  that  I  could  ask  for  a  wife,  but  1  don't 
like  her  family  much  better  than  Henry  docs. 
Confound  the  father  !  \Yliy  should  he  so  mix  his 
daughter  up  in  his  speculation  that  she  dare  not 
dismiss  Arnault  at  once  and  follow  her  heart  ?  If  I 
were  not  a  good-natured  man  I  wouldn't  submit  to 
it.  As  it  is,  since  I  am  sure  of  the  girl,  I  suppose  I 
should  give  paterfamilias  a  chance  to  turn  himself. 
She  has  appealed  to  me  as  delicately,  yet  as  openly, 
as  she  can,  and  has  given  me  to  understand  by 
everything  except  plain  words  that  she  is  mine. 
Probably  that  is  all  she  can  do  without  bringing 
black  ruin  upon  them  all.  Well,  I  suppose  I 
should  imitate  her  self-sacrificing  spirit  ;  but  I  hate 
this  jumbling  of  Wall  Street  with  affairs  of  the 
heart.  It  angers  me  that  she  must  play  with  that 
fellow  for  financial  reasons,  and  that  he,  conscious 
of  power,  may  use  language  which  she  would  not 


J/.-/A7i     rOf'A'    y/iA'JAV.  227 

dare  to  resent.  I  can't  imagine  Madge  in  such  a 
position.  Yet,  who  knows  ?  As  the  French  say, 
It  is  the  unexpected  that  happens,'  and  this  has 
proved  true  enough  in  my  experience.  I'll  go  and 
see  how  Madge  is  now,  and  be  as  penitent  as  she 
requires.  I  don't  mind  being  tyrannized  over  a 
little  by  such  a  girl  ;"  and  he  returned. 

As  he  approached  Mrs.  Muir's  door  he  heard  the 
sound  of  voices  and  laughter,  and  plainly  those  of 
his  brother  and  Madge.  In  response  to  his  knock- 
Mrs.  Muir  opened  the  door  a  little  way,  and  he 
caught  a  glimpse  of  Henry. 
"Well?"  said  Mrs.  Muir. 

It's  not  well  at  all,"  he  began,  in  an  aggrieved 
tone.  '  Here's  a  family  party,  and  I'm  shut  out  in 
outer  darkness.  What  have  I  done  to  be  banished 
from  Rome  ?" 

'What's  banished  but  set  free'?"  trilled  out 
Madge.  "  ()  Graydon,  I'm  not  fit  to  be  seen  !" 

How  can  I  know  that  unless  I  sec  you  ?" 

Nonsense,  Madge  !"  expostulated  her  sister, 
:<  you  look  ^narming.  Why  put  on  airs?  As  he 
savs,  it's  a  family  part}'.  Let  him  join  in  our  fun  ;" 
and,  without  waiting  for  further  objections,  she 
brought  him  in  and  gave  him  a  chair. 

'Now,   this  warms   an    exile's   heart, "  he  began. 
If   you    had    shut   the   door   on    me  I  should  have 
asked  Henry  to  send   me  back  to  F,urope.      Mary's 
right,  Madge  ;   you  do  look  charming." 

And  so  she  did,  blushing  and  laughing  in  her 
dainty  wrapper,  with  her  long  hair  falling  over  her 
shoulders  and  fastened  by  a  ribbon. 


228  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   U'OOIXG. 

How  comes  it  that  you  arc  in  such  a  deserted 
and  disconsolate  condition  ?"  cried  Mary. 

I  am  not  in  such  a  condition.  Since  crossing 
your  threshold  I  have  become  contentment  itself. 
Indeed,  I  regard  myself  as  the  most  favored  man  in 
the  house,  for  I,  first  of  all,  am  able  to  lay  my 
homage  at  Madge's  feet." 

"Let  me  warn  you  from  the  start  that  it  will 
prove  a  stumbling-block  in  both  our  paths,"  said 
the  girl.  :'  Did  you  not  receive  my  message  ?  But, 
then,  it's  stupid  to  think  you  will  ever  consider  me." 

I  have  been  considering  you  a  great  deal  more 
than  you  think,  especially  since  you  metaphorically 
boxed  my  ears  this  morning,  and  took  away  my 
breath  generally  this  afternoon." 

You  seem  to  have  plenty  left." 
"  Oh,  I'm  recovering.      Reason  is  trying  to  scram 
ble  back^on  her  throne.      I've  been  out  to  the  lake 
alone    in    the    moonlight,  and    have    had    the    whole 
scene  over  again,  to  assure  myself  that  it  was  real." 

What  !     You  have  not  been  in  the  water?" 

No  ;  I  was  content  to  moon  it  out  on  the 
shore  ;  but  it  seemed  to  me  that  I  saw  you  as 
clearly  there  as  here." 

Little  wonder  !  I  must  have  been  the  most 
extraordinary-looking  creature  that  ever  prowled  in 
these  wilds." 

'  You  were  ;  only  lookers-on  did  all  the  devour 
ing.  I  wouldn't  dare  tell  you  the  compliments  1 
have  heard." 

'  You  had  better  not,  if  your  reason  is  even 
within  si<rht  of  her  throne.  When  the  danger  was 


MAKE    YOUR    TEX  MS.  229 

all  over  I  caught  a  mental  glimpse  of  myself,  and 
fell  over  as  if  shot  ;"  and  a  slow,  deep  crimson  stole 
into  her  face. 

Madge,"  said  Graydon,  gravely  and  almost  re- 
bukingly,  "  do  you  think  there  was  a  man  present 
who  did  not  reverence  you  ?  I  was  proud  even  of 
your  acquaintance. 

Her  face  softened  under  his  words,  but  she  did 
not  look  at  him.  '  \Ve  were  partners  in  misery," 
she  said,  laughing  softly  ;  "  I  have  a  vague  remem 
brance  that  you  were  as  great  a  guy  as  I  was." 

I  shall  be  glad  to  be  a  guy  with  you  in  any  cir 
cumstances  you  can  imagine,  if  you  will  let  me 
make  my  peace,  and  will  forgive  my  general  stupid- 
it}-.  Be  reasonable  also,  as  well  as  merciful.  If  it 
look  you  over  two  years  to  make  such  changes,  you 
should  give  me  a  few  days  to  rub  my  eyes  and  get 
them  focussed  on  the  result." 

Madge  was  now  laughing  heartily.  '  I  don't  be 
lieve  a  man  could  ever  eat  the  whole  of  a  humble 
pie,"  she  said.  '  He  ever  insists  that  the  donor, 
especially  if  she  be  a  woman,  should  have  a  piece 

also. 

'There,  now,"   cried   Graydon,    ruefully;    "give 
me  all  of  it,  and  make  your  terms." 

Solomon    himself    couldn't    have    advised    you 

! tetter, "   said    Madge,  while   Henry  leaned   back  in 

his    chair    and    laughed    as    if    immensely    amused, 

while    Mary    improved   the   occasion    by  remarking, 

When   will  men  ever  learn   that  that  is  the  way  to 

;et  the  best  terms  possible  from  a  woman  ?" 

Indeed  !"  said  Graydon.        '  How  you  enlighten 


230  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   H'OOIXG. 

me!      Well.    Madge,    I'm    the    more    eager   no\v  to 
learn  your  terms. " 

She  felt  that  it  was  a  critical  moment, — that 
there  was,  under  their  badinage,  a  substratum  of 
truth  and  feeling, — and  that  she  had  no\v  a  chance 
to  establish  relations  that  would  favor  her  hope,  if  it 
had  a  right  to  exist  at  all,  and  render  future  com 
panionship  free  from  surmise  on  the  part  of  her 
family. 

"Come,  Graydon,"  she  said,  "we  have  jested 
long  enough,  and  there  is  no  occasion  for  misunder 
standing.  I  have  not  forgotten  the  past  an}"  more 
than  you  have,  nor  all  your  unstinted  kindness  for 
years.  As  Mary  says,  this  is  a  family  party.  I'm 
not  your  sister,  and  embarrassment  always  accom 
panies  an  unnatural  relation.  The  common-sense 
thing  to  do  is  to  recognize  the  relation  that  does 
exist.  As  I  intimated  at  first,  I  see  no  reason  why 
we  should  not  be  the  best  of  friends,  and  then,  imi 
tating  the  stiff-necked  Hebrews,  do  what  seemeth 
good  in  our  eyes." 

"  And  these  are  your  terms,  Madge  ?" 

"  As  far  as  I  have  any,  yes.  I  don't  insist  on 
anything,  but  warn  you  that  I  shall  follow  my  eyes, 
and  consult  a  very  wilful  little  will  of  my  own." 

'  Will  your  wilful  will  permit  you  to  accept  of  a 
horse  that  I  am  going  after  in  the  morning?  Dr. 
Sommers  told  me  about  him,  and  I  had  proposed  to 
make  him  a  peace-offering.' 

Madge  clapped  her  hands  with  the  delight  of  a 
child. 

"  O  Graydon,  that's  splendid  of  you  !      I've  been 


MART.    YOUK     TERMS.  231 

sighing,  '  My  kingdom  for  a  horse,'  ever  since  I 
came  here.  But  he's  no  peace-offering.  I  forgave 
you  when  I  saw  your  headlong  plunge  into  the 
lake.  You  went  into  it  like  a  man,  while  I  flopped 
in  so  awkwardly  that  all  said  I  had  fallen  over- 
hoard." 

Shake  hands,  then." 

She  sprung  up  and  joined  hands  with  him  in  frank 
and  cordial  grasp,  saying,  "  It's  all  right  now,  ami 
Mary  and  Henry  will  understand  us  as  well  as  we 
do  ourselves. " 

"  One  condition  :   you  will  let  me  ride  with  you  ?' ' 

When  you  are  disengaged,  yes,"  was  her  arch 
reply,  "  and  I'll  prove  that  on  horseback  I  can  be 
as  good  a  comrade  as  a  man." 

Well,  if  something  I've  dreamt  of  is  true  I 
never  saw  such  acting,"  thought  Henry  Muir. 
Then  lie  said,  quietly,  "  Madge,  how  did  you  find 
the  child  so  surely  and  quickly?" 

That  accounts  for  my  awkwardness  some 
what,"  she  replied,  laughing.  ("How  happy  she 
looks  !' '  he  thought.)  '  I  never  took  my  eyes  from 
tiie  spot  where  I  had  last  seen  the  child  sink,  and  I 
bad  to  do  everything  as  if  mv  head  was  in  a  vise. 
l)on't  let  us  talk  about  it  any  more." 

No,  nor  about  anything  else,"  said  Mary,  ris 
ing.  '  I'm  proving  a  fine  nurse,  and  am  likely  to 
be  lectured  by  the  doctor  to-morrow.  You  men 
must  walk.  Here  is  Madge  flushed,  feverish, 
;rul  excited  about  a  horse.  Brain-fever  will  be  the 
ivxt  symptom. " 

An   hour  Liter   Madge   was    sleeping  quietly,    but 


the  happy  flush  and  smile  had  not  left  her  face. 
She  felt  that  she  had  at  last  scored  one  point.  Oh, 
that  she  could  have  more  time  ! 

'  Jupiter  !"    muttered  Graydon,  as  he  descended 
the  stairs,  "  her  talk  makes  a  fellow's  blood  tingle." 

Miss  Wildmere  had  just  entered  with  Arnault,  and 
Graydon  asked,  "  Are  you  not  going  to  give  me  one 
dance  this  evening  ?" 

Yes,  two,  if  you  wish,"  she  replied,  sweetly. 

lie  took  her  at  her  word,  and  was  as  devoted  as 
ever.  He  had  no  thought  of  being  anything  else. 
Arnault  secured  the  last  word,  however,  and  Gray 
don  made  no  effort  to  prevent  this.  He  had  ac 
cepted  the  disagreeable  situation,  and  proposed, 
although  with  increasing  reluctance  and  discontent, 
to  let  the  girl  have  a  clear  field  and  manage  the 
affair  as  she  thought  wise  under  the  circumstances. 
lie  was  too  proud  to  have  maintained  a  jostling  and 
open  pursuit  with  Arnault  in  any  event,  and  now, 
believing  that  he  understood  the  lady  better,  felt 
that  there  was  no  occasion  for  it.  He  had  indicated 
to  her  just  where  he  stood,  and  just  where  she 
could  ever  find  him.  When  her  diplomacy  with 
Arnault  should  cease  to  be  essential  to  her  father's 
safety,  the  final  words  could  be  spoken. 

lie  acted  on  this  policy  so  quietly  that  she  was 
somewhat  troubled,  and  feared  that  Madge  might 
be  taking  too  large  a  place  in  his  thoughts.  There 
fore,  when  Arnault  ventured  to  make  a  somewhat 
humorous  reference  to  the  young  girl's  appearance, 
her  spite  found  utterance.  '  I  never  saw  such  a 
looking  creature  in  my  life.  She  had  the  appear- 


ance  of  a  cra/.y  woman,  with  her  hair  dishevelled, 
and  her  wet,  muddy  clothes  sticking  to  her  as  if 
glued.  She  ought  at  least  to  have  slipped  away 
when  the  doctor  came.  But  instead  of  that  she 
fainted,  —  all  put  on,  I  believe,  to  attract  atten 
tion.  " 

She  perhaps  felt  that  she  must  put  on  some 
thing,"  chuckled  Arnault.  '  The  "wo  Muirs  looked 
as  if  she  were  too  precious  and  sacred  for  mortal 
gaze." 

Well,"  concluded  Miss  Wildmere,  "  I  like  to 
sec  a  lady  who  never  forgets  herself  ;"  and  she  was 
an  example  of  the  type. 

I  like  to  see  one  lady,  whom,  having  seen,  no 
one  can  forget,"  was  his  gallant  reply. 


CHAPTER   XIX. 

AX    OBJECT   FOR    SYMPATHY. 

MISS  WILDMERE'S  indignant  virtue  was  not 
soothed  on  the  following  morning,  when,  as 
she  returned  from  a  drive  with  Arnault,  Graydon 
galloped  up  on  a  superb  bay  horse,  and  Madge  so 
far  forgot  herself  again  as  to  rush  to  meet  him  with 
unaffected  pleasure.  The  champion  of  propriety 
paused  in  the  distance  to  take  an  observation,  for 
she  thought  she  saw  a  cloud  in  the  sky. 

"  What  a  beauty  !  what  a  grand  arch  of  the  neck- 
he  has  !-  Oh,  I'm  just  wild  to  be  on  him  !  Don't 
bribe  me  with  horses,  Graydon  ;  I  can  resist  any 
thing  else." 

I    am   glad   of  the   information.      A   volume   of 
thanks  would  not  be  worth  half  so  much." 

"  I  thought  the  thanks  were  in  my  tone  and 
manner. " 

"  So  I  thought,  and  am  more  than  content  ;  but, 
Madge,  I  am  troubled  about  your  riding  him.  I 
fear  he  is  a  very  Satan  of  a  horse." 

"  Nonsense  !  Wait  till  you  see  me  mounted, 
and  your  fears  will  vanish.  People  don't  walk  at 
Santa  Barbara  ;  they  ride  ;  every  one  rides.  If  the 
horse  don't  tumble,  there'll  be  no  tumbling  on  my 


A  A"    OBJECT  FOR    SYM/'ATHY.  235 

part.      Oh,  he    is    such    a   splendid    fellow  !      What 
shall  I  call  him  ?" 

"  Better  call  him  '  Go.'  There  is  more  go  in  him 
than  in  any  horse  I  ever  bestrode." 

"  All  the  better.  I  shall  give  him  another  name, 
however.  It  will  come  to  me  sometime  ;"  and  she 
patted  the  proud  neck,  and  fondled  the  tossing 
head,  in  a  way  to  excite  the  envy  of  observers  from 
the  piazza.  "  O  Graydon,  what  shall  I  do  for  a 
saddle  ?  Do  you  think  there  is  one  to  be  had  in 
this  region  ?  I'm  impatient  for  a  gallop." 

I  telegraphed,  early  this  morning,  for  equip 
ments  ;  and  they  should  be  here  this  afternoon." 

That  was  considerate  kindness  itself.  You 
must  let  me  pay  for  all  this.  You  know  I  can." 

So  can  I." 

But  there's  reason  in  all  things." 

Therefore,  a  little  in  me.  Please,  Madge,  don't 
make  me  feel  that  I  am  almost  a  stranger  to  you. 
If  we  had  remained  together,  1  should  have  paid 
cut  more  than  this  for  candy,  flowers,  and  non 
sense.  I  have  yielded  everything,  haven't  I  ?  and, 
as  Mar}'  says,  I  do  wish  to  feel  a  little  like  one  of 
the  family." 

'Well,   then,"    she  said,  laughing  and   blushing, 
as  from  one  of  the  family  - 

And  from  your  deceased  brother,"  he  inter- 
rupted. 

She  put    her    finger   to    her  lips.        '  That's  past,' 
s'.ie  said.        '  Xo   more   allusions.      We   began  sensi 
bly  last   night,  and    I  certainly  am  very  lenient    now 
in    taking   gifts    that    I    should    protest   against  even 


236  A    YOUXG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

from  Henry.      I  wish  to  prove  to  you  that  I  am  the 
Madge  of  old  times  as  far  as  I  can  be." 

Rest   assured    I'm    the    same    fellow,    and    ever 
shall  be." 

He  had  dismounted,  and  they  were  walking 
slowly  toward  the  stable.  '  Bless  me  !"  cried 
Madge,  "  where  am  I  going  with  no  better  protec 
tion  than  a  sunshade  ?  I'm  always  a  little  off  when 
a  horse  like  that  is  at  hand.  I  say,  Graydon,"  she 
added,  in  a  wheedling  tone,  "mount  and  put  him 
through  his  paces.  I  can't  resist  the  fun,  no  matter 
what  the  dowagers  say." 

lie  vaulted  lightly  into  the  saddle,  and  the  horse- 
reared  and  dashed  toward  the  stable,  but  was  soon 
pulled  up.  Then  Graydon  made  him  prance, 
curvet,  and  trot,  Madge  looking  on  with  parted 
lips,  and  eyes  glowing  with  delicious  anticipation. 
If  a  close  observer  had  been  present  he  might  have 
seen  that  the  rider,  with  his  fine  easy  grace  and 
mastery,  was,  after  all,  the  chief  attraction. 

She  walked  back  to  the  house,  thinking,  "I'll 
have  some  bright  hours  before  the  skies  grow  gray. 
O  kindly  fate  !  prosper  Mr.  Arnault  here  and  in 
Wall  Street,  too,  for  all  I  care." 

"  O  Mr.  Muir,  teach  me  to  ride,"  said  Miss 
Wildmere,  when  he  joined  her  in  the  deserted 
parlor.  '  You  have  such  a  superb  horse  !  and  you 
sat  on  him  as  if  you  were  a  part  of  him." 

"  I  will  teach  you  with  pleasure,"  said  Graydon. 
"  Nothing  would  give  me  more  enjoyment,  for  I  am 
very  fond  of  riding,  and  we  could  explore  the  moun 
tain  roads  far  and  near." 


A IV   OBJEC7*  FOR    SYMPATHY.  237 

"  Can  I  ride  your  horse  ?" 

"  That  was  not  my  horse.  He  belongs  to  Miss 
Alden." 

"Oh,  indeed,"  began  Miss  Wildmere,  hastily, 
yet  coldly  ;  "  I  wouldn't  think  of  it,  then." 

"  She  would  lend  him  to  you  readily,  if  it  were 
safe  ;  but  only  an  expert  should  ride  that  horse. 
As  it  is,  I  shall  run  him  four  or  five  miles  before  I 
let  her  mount  him.  lie  is  awfully  high-strung  and 
a  little  vicious.  I'll  get  you  a  quiet,  safe  lady's 
horse,  suitable  for  a  beginner.  You  will  soon  ac 
quire  confidence  and  skill.  I  wouldn't  have  you 
incur  any  risks  for  all  the  world." 

"  Wouldn't  you  ?"  she  asked,  with  a  fascinating 
and  incredulous  smile. 

'  You  know  well  that  I  would  not." 
"  I  shall   scarcely  know  what   I   know  when  I  see 
you  galloping  away  with  Miss  Alden." 

"  Come,  Miss  Stella,  we  may  as  well  get  through 
with  that  phase  of  the  question  at  once.  Madge 
Alden  came  into  our  family  when  I  was  scarcely 
more  than  a  boy,  and  she  but  a  child.  She  is  still 
one  of  the  family.  The  idea  of  your  being  con 
cerned  about  her  makes  me  smile  audibly.  I  only 
wish  you  girls  would  be  good  friends.  It  would 
save  awkwardness  and  embarrassment.  Madge  is  a 
sister  to  me  in  everything  but  n;;me,  and  ever  will 
be.  I'm  proud  of  her,  as  I  ought  to  be,  and  a  dis 
tant  manner  would  be  absurd  toward  a  member  of 
our  household.  Why  should  I  affect  it  when  I'm 
truly  fond  of  her  and  find  her  jolly  good  company  ? 
l>on't  you  think  I  am  setting  you  a  good  example  ? 


238  .-/    YOUNG    G'/A'L'S   ll'OO/NG. 

I'm  patient  over  your  good  times  with  Mr.  Arnault, 
who  is  an  open  suitor." 

"  I  have  not  said  they  were  good  times." 

"  Nor  have  you  said  they  were  not.  lie  evi 
dently  enjoys  them,  and  little  wonder.  You  can 
make  any  fellow  have  a  good  time  without  trying, 
I  don't  pretend  to  understand  the  necessity  of  your 
being  so  friendly,  or  tolerant,  or  what  you  will,  with 
him  ;  neither  do  I  pry  or  question.  My  regard  for 
you  makes  trust  imperative.  I  do  trust  you  as 
readily  as  you  should  trust  me.  What  else  can  we 
do  till  times  are  better  ?" 

What  do  you  mean  by  saying  '  till  times  are 
better'?"  she  asked,  in  gentle  solicitude.  "Are 
you  having  a  hard  time  in  town,  like  poor  papa  ?" 

"  Oh,  bless  you  !  no.  I  don't  suppose  Henry  is 
making  much.  He's  the  kind  of  man  to  take  in  sail 
in  times  like  these.  I'm  not  in  the  firm  yet,  you 
know,  but  shall  be  soon.  My  foreign  department 
of  the  business  is  all  right.  I  left  it  snug  and  safe. 
Of  course,  I  don't  know  much  about  things  on  this 
side  of  the  water  yet.  Mr.  Muir  is  not  the  kind  of 
man  to  speak  to  any  one  about  his  affairs  unless  it 
is  essential,  but  if  anything  were  amiss  he  would 
have  told  me.  I  know  the  times  are  dismal,  and  I 
am  better  off  on  my  assured  salary  than  if  in  the 
firm  now.  No  one  but  '  bears  '  are  making  any 
thing." 

I  hope  your  brother  isn't  in  anxiety,  like  papa,' 
she  said,  warmly. 

His  quick  commercial  instinct  took  alarm,  and  he 
asked,  "  What,  have  you  heard  anything?" 


AN   OfiJF.Cr   FOR    SYMPATHY.  239 

"  Oh  no,  indeed.  Papa  says  that  Mr.  Muir  is 
one  of  the  most  conservative  of  men  ;  but  he  also 
says  that  there  is  scarcely  a  chance  now  for  any 
honest  man.  and  that  investments  which  once 
seemed  as  solid  as  these  mountains  are  sinking  out 
of  sight.  If  it  wasn't  so  we  shouldn't  be  so  wor 
ried.  He  wouldn't  like  it  if  he  knew  I  was  talking 
to  you  in  this  way  ;  but  then  I  know  it  will  go  no 
further,  and  naturally  my  mind  dwells  on  the  sub 
ject  of  his  anxieties.  What  wouldn't  1  do  to  help 
him  !"  she  concluded,  with  a  fine  enthusiasm. 

I  think  you  are  doing  a  great  deal  to  help  him, 
Stella,"  he  said,  gravely  and  gently  ;  "  and,  believe 
me,  it  involves  no  little  sacrifice  on  my  part,  also." 

But  you  have  promised  to  be  patient,  Gray- 
don.  " 

I  have,  but  you  cannot  think  that  I  like  it  or 
approve  of  the  diplomacy  you  are  compelled  to 
practise,  even  though  your  motive  be  unselfish  and 
filial.  I  don't  think  you  ought  to  be  placed  in  such 
a  position,  and  would  that  it  were  in  my  power  to 
relieve  you  from  it  !" 

Tears  of  self-commiseration  came  into  her  eyes, 
and  they  appeared  to  him  exceedingly  pathetic. 
She  made  as  if  she  would  speak  but  could  not,  then 
retreated  hastily  to  her  room.  Once  in  seclusion 
slu.'  dashed  the  drops  away,  her  eyes  glittered  with 
anger,  and  she  stamped  her  foot  on  the  floor  and 
muttered  :  "It  is  indeed  an  abominable  position. 
I  might  accept  Graydon  any  day,  any  hour,  now, 
and  dare  not.  Yet  if  he  gets  an  inkling  of  my  real 
attitude  he'll  be  off  forever.  He  is  as  proud  as 


240  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   JIrOO7A7G. 

Lucifer  about  some  things,  and  would  be  quick  as  a 
flash  if  his  suspicions  were  aroused.  Even  the  be 
lief  that  I  am  humoring  Arnault  for  papa's  sake 
tests  his  loyalty  greatly.  If  I  have  to  refuse  him 
at  last  I  shall  be  placed  in  an  odious  light.  The 
idiots  !  why  can't  they  find  out  whether  Henry 
Muir  is  going  to  fail  or  not  !  That  horrid  Madge 
Alden  is  not  his  sister,  and  knows  it,  and  she  is 
gaining  time  to  make  impressions.  I  know  how  she 
felt  years  ago,  when  she  was  a  perfect  spook.  I 
don't  believe  she's  changed.  With  all  her  impul 
sive  ways  she's  as  deep  as  perdition,  and  she'd  flirt 
with  him  to  spite  me,  if  nothing  more.  Papa  said 
last  night  that  I  had  better  accept  Arnault.  I 
won't  accept  him  till  I  must,  and  he'll  rue  his  suc 
cess  if  he  wins  it."  Then  the  mirror  reflected  a 
lovely  creature  dissolved  in  tears. 

Again  she  soliloquized  :  "  I  can't  accept  a  horse 
from  Graydon  ;  Arnault  would  never  submit  to  it. 
The  receiving  of  such  a  present  would  compromise 
me  at  once.  It  does  not  matter  so  much  what  I 
say  or  look  in  private  ;  this  proves  nothing  to  the 
world,  and  I  see  more  and  more  clearly  that  Arnault 
will  not  permit  his  pride  to  be  humiliated.  He  will 
endure  what  he  calls  a  fair,  open  suit  philosophi 
cally,  but  the  expression  of  his  eyes  makes  me 
shiver  sometimes.  Was  ever  a  girl  placed  in  such  a 
mean  and  horrible  position  !  I  won't  endure  this 
shilly-shally  much  longer.  If  they  can't  prove 
something  more  definite  against  the  Muirs,  I'll  ac 
cept  Graydon.  Papa  is  just  horrid  !  Why  can't 
he  make  more  in  Wall  Street  ?  There  must  be 


AN  OBJECT   FOR    SYMPATHY.  241 

ways,  and  any  way  is  as  respectable  as  the  one  I 
may  be  compelled  to  take.  Well,  if  I  do  have  to 
accept  Arnault  I'll  make  Graydon  think  that  I  had 
to  do  so  for  papa's  sake,  and  we'll  become  good 
friends  again  before  long.  Perhaps  this  would  be 
the  best  way  in  the  end,  for  papa  looked  wildly,  and 
spoke  of  a  tenement-house  last  night.  Tenement  ! 
Great  heavens  !  I'd  sooner  die." 


CHAPTER   XX. 

"VEILED   WOOING." 

GRAYDON,    when   do   you    think  I   can  have 
my  first  ride  ?"  Madge  asked  at  dinner,  with 
sparkling  eyes. 

"  At  about  five  this  afternoon.  I  have  found  a 
saddle  that  I  can  borrow  in  case  yours  does  not 
come  till  the  late  train." 

"  Oh,  I'm  so  glad,  that  I've  lost  my  appetite  ! 
You  can't  know  how  much  a  horse  means  to  me. 
It  was  after  I  began  to  ride  that  I  grew  strong 
enough  to  hope. " 

'  Why,  Madge,  were  you  so  discouraged  as 
that?"  he  asked,  feelingly. 

"I  had  reason  to  be  discouraged,"  she  replied, 
in  a  low  tone.  Then  she  threw  back  her  head, 
proudly.  '  You  men  little  know,"  she  continued, 
half  defiantly.  '  You  think  weakness  one  of  our 
prerogatives,  and  like  us  almost  the  better  for  it. 
We  are  meekly  to  accept  our  fate,  and  from  soft 
couches  lift  our  languid  eyes  in  pious  resignation. 
I  won't  do  it  ;  and  when  a  powerful  horse  is  be 
neath  me,  carrying  me  like  the  wind,  I  feel  that  his 
strength  is  mine,  and  that  I  need  not  succumb  to 
feminine  imbecility  or  helplessness  in  any  form." 


"TEILED    ll'OOIXC,."  243 

"  Brava,  Madge  !"  cried  Henry  Muir. 
'You    \vere    born    a    knight,"    added    Graydon, 
"  and    have    already    made    more    and    better   con 
quests  than  many  celebrated  in  prose  and  poetry." 

"Oh,  no,"  cried  Madge,  lifting  her  eyebrows  in 
comic  distress.  '  I  was  born  a  woman  to  my 
finger-tips,  and  never  could  conquer  even  myself.  I 
have  an  awful  temper.  Graydon,  you  have  already 
found  that  out. " 

I  have  found  that  I  had  better  accept  just  what 
you  please  to  be,  and  fully  admit  your  right  to  be 
just  what  you  please,"  he  answered,  ruefully. 

What  a  lovely  and  reasonable  frame  of  mind  !" 
Mrs.  Muir  remarked.  '  Truly,  Miss  Wildmere  is  to 
be  congratulated.  You  have  only  to  stick  to  such 
a  disposition,  and  peace  will  last  longer  than  the 
moon. " 

"  Oh,  Miss  Wildmere  will  prove  a  rose  without  a 
thorn,"  Madge  added,  laughing,  while  under  Mr. 
Muir's  eye  her  face  paled  perceptibly.  '  There 
will  never  be  anything  problematical  in  her  single- 
minded  devotion.  She  has  been  well  and  discreetly 
brought  up,  and  finished  by  the  best  society,  while 
poor  me  !• — I  had  to  fly  in  the  face  of  fate  like  a 
virago,  and  scramble  up  the  best  I  could  in  Western 
wilds.  Oh,  well,  Graydon,  don't  be  alarmed.  I'll 
be  a  good  fellow  if  you'll  take  me  out  riding  occa 
sionally.  " 

He  began  to  laugh,  and  she  continued  :  "  I  saw 
you  frown  when  I  began  my  wicked  speech.  We'll 
tick  off  tabooed  subjects,  and  make  an  index  cxpur- 
gatorins,  and  then  we'll  get  on  famously." 


244  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

No  need  of  that,"  he  said.  "  As  far  as  7  am 
concerned,  please  consider  Die  fair  game." 

"Consider  you  fair  game?"  she  said,  with  her 
head  archly  on  one  side.  '  That  would  be  arrant 
poaching.  Don't  fear,  Graydon,  I  shall  never  re 
gard  any  man  as  game,  not  even  if  I  should  become 
a  fat  dowager  with  a  bevy  of  plain  (laughters  and  a 
dull  market. " 

Grave  and  silent  Mr.  Muir  leaned  back  in  his 
chair  and  laughed  so  heartily  that  he  attracted  at 
tention  at  the  \Vildmerc  table  across  the  room. 

That  man  doesn't  act  as  if  on  the  brink  of  fail 
ure,"  thought  Miss  Wildmere.  "It's  all  a  con 
spiracy  of  Arnault  with  papa." 

'  You  arc  making  game  of  me  in  one  sense  very 
successfully,"  Graydon  admitted,  laughing  a  little 
uneasily. 

"  Oh,  in  that  sense,  all  men  are  legitimate  game, 
and  I  shall  chaff  as  many  as  possible,  out  of  spite 
that  I  was  not  a  man." 

'  You  would  make  a  good  one,- — you  are  so  de 
void  of  sentiment  and  so  independent." 

And  yet  within  a  wreek  I  think  a  certain  gentle 
man  was  inclined  to  think  me  sentimental,  aesthetic, 
intense,  a  victim  of  ideals  and  devotional  rhapso 
dies.  " 

"  O  ye  gods  !  Here,  waiter,  bring  me  my  des 
sert,  and  let  me  escape,"  cried  Graydon. 

"Did  you  say  I  was  to  be  ready  at  five?"  she 
asked,  sweetly. 

'  Yes,  and  bring  down  articles  of  a  truce,  and 
we'll  si<m  them  in  red  ink.' 


An  hour  later  she  heard  the  gallop  of  a  horse, 
.aid  saw  him  riding'  away.  "  She  sha'n't  mount 
the  animal,"  he  had  thought,  "  till  I  learn  more 
about  him  and  give  him  all  the  running  he  wants 
to-day.  She  has  a  heavy  enough  score  against  me 
as  it  is,  and  I'll  not  employ  another  brute  to  make 
things  worse." 

He  learned  more  fully  what  he  had  discovered 
before,  that  she  would  have  her  hands  full  in  man 
aging  the  horse,  and  he  gave  him  a  run  that  covered 
him  with  foam  and  tested  his  breathing.  At  four 
he  galloped  back  to  the  station  to  see  if  the  saddle 
had  arrived,  but  found  that  even  his  skill  and 
strength  were  not  sufficient  to  make  the  animal  ap 
proach  the  engine.  Shouting  to  the  baggage-man 
to  bring  the  expected  articles  to  the  stable,  he  was 
soon  there  and  made  another  experiment.  A 
hostler  brought  him  a  blanket,  which  he  strapped 
around  his  waist,  and  mounted  again  in  a  lady's 
style.  It  was  at  once  evident  that  the  horse  had 
never  been  ridden  by  a  woman.  He  reared,  kicked, 
and  plunged  around  frightfully,  and  (iraydon  had 
to  clutch  the  mane  often  to  keep  his  seat.  Madge 
had  speedily  joined  him,  and  looked  with  absorbed 
interest,  at  times  laughing,  and  again  imploring 
Graydon  to  dismount.  This  he  at  last  did,  the  per 
spiration  pouring  from  his  face.  Resigning  the 
trembling  and  wearied  horse  to  a  stable-boy,  he 
came  toward  the  young  girl,  mopping  his  brow  and 
exclaiming  :  "  It  will  never  do  at  all.  He  is  ugly 
as  sin.  No  woman  should  ride  him,  not  even  a 
squaw. " 


Bah,  Graydon  !  he  did  not  throw  you,  although 
he  had  you  at  every  disadvantage.  I'm  not  in  the 
least  afraid.  Has  the  saddle  come  ?" 

'  Yes  ;  but  I  protest,  Madge.  Here,  Dr.  Som- 
iners"  (who  was  approaching),  "  lay  your  commands 
on  this  rash  girl." 

If  Dr.  Soinmers  says  I'm  rash  he  doesn't  un 
derstand  my  case,  and  I  refuse  to  employ  him," 
cried  Madge.  Then  she  added,  sweetly  :  "If  I 
break  any  bones,  doctor,  I'll  be  your  very  humble 
and  obedient  servant.  It's  half-past  four,  and  I'll 
be  ready  as  soon  as  you  are,  Graydon.  No  back 
ing  out.  You  might  as  well  warn  me  against  the 
peril  of  a  rocking-chair  ;"  and  she  went  to  put  on 
her  habit. 

Heaven  help  us  !"  said  Graydon  to  the  doctor. 
'  We're  in  a  scrape.  She's  so  resolute  that  I  be 
lieve  she  would  go  alone.  What  would  you  do  ? 
Hang  it  all  !  the  people  of  the  house  have  got  an 
inkling  of  what's  up  ;  some  are  gathering  near,  and 
the  windows  are  full  of  heads," 

;<  Put  the  saddle  on  one  of  the  quiet  livery 
horses,  and  you  ride  this  brute,"  said  the  doctor. 

'  You  don't  know  her.  She  wouldn't  stand  that 
at  all." 

Then  give  her  her  head.  After  yesterday  I  be 
lieve  she  can  do  what  she  undertakes.  You  have 
tired  the  horse  out  pretty  thoroughly,  and  I  guess 
she'll  manage  him." 

Leaving  orders  to  have  Madge's  horse  sponged 
off  and  dried,  and  the  best  animal  in  the  stable  pre 
pared  for  himself,  he  said,  "  Well  then,  doctor,  be 


"  VEILED    irOOIA'G."  247 

on  hand  to  repair  damages,"   and  went  to  his  room 
to  change  his  dress. 

The  doctor  did  more,  lie  saw  that  Madge's 
horse  was  saddled  carefully,  meanwhile  admiring 
the  beautiful  equipment  that  Graydon  had  ordered. 
J  le  also  insured  that  Graydon  had  a  good  mount. 

When  at  last  the  young  man  tapped  at  Madge's 
door  she  came  out  looking  most  beautiful  in  her 
close-fitting  habit  and  low  beaver,  with  its  drooping 
feather.  Mary  followed  her,  protesting  and  half 
crying,  and  Mr.  Muir  looked  very  grave. 

'Madge,"  said  Graydon,  earnestly,  "I  should 
never  forgive  myself  if  any  harm  came  to  you. 
That  horse  is  not  fit  for  you  to  ride." 

"Good  people,  see  here,"  said  Madge,  turning 
upon  them  ;  "  I  am  not  a  reckless  child,  nor  am  I 
making  a  rash  experiment.  Even  if  I  did  not  fear 
broken  bones,  do  you  think  I  would  give  you  need 
less  anxiety  ?  Graydon  has  kindly  obtained  for  me 
a  fine  horse,  and  I  must  make  a  beginning  to  show 
you  and  him  that  I  can  ride.  If  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wayland  were  here  they  would  laugh  at  you. 
Don't  come  out  to  see  me  off,  Mary.  Others 
would  follow,  and  I  don't  want  to  be  conspicuous. 
1  do  wish  people  would  mind  their  own  business." 

Xo  danger  of  my  coming  out.      I  don't  want  to 
ee  you   break  your   neck,"   cried  Mar}-,  re-entering 
her  room. 

You  must    let  me   go,  Madge,"   said    Mr.   Muir, 
urmly.        '  I  may  have  to  interpose  my  authority." 

Yes,  do  come,  for   Heaven's  sake  !"  said  Gray 
don 


248  A     }W/VT<7    GIRL'S    WOOING. 

'Very  well,"  laughed  Madge.  "If  I  once  get 
on,  you  and  the  horse  ma}'  both  find  it  hard  to  get 
me  off.  Where  are  the  horses?"  she  asked,  upon 
reaching  the  door. 

You  must   yield   one  point  and  mount  near  the 
stable,"  said  (iraydon,  resolutely. 

"  Oh,  certainly,  I'll  yield  everything  except  my 
ride." 

Madge's  horse  stood  pawing  the  ground,  showing 
how  obdurate  and  untamable  was  his  spirit.  She 
exclaimed  at  the  beauty  of  the  saddle  and  its  hous 
ings,  and  said,  "  Thank  you,  Graydon,"  so  charm 
ingly  that  he  anathematized  himself  for  giving  her 
a  brute  instead  of  a  horse.  '  I  should  have  satis 
fied  myself  better  about  him,"  he  thought,  "  and 
have  looked  farther." 

In  a  moment  she  had  the  animal  by  the  head,  and 
was  patting  his  neck,  while  he  turned  an  eye  of  fire 
down  upon  her,  and  showed  no  relenting  in  his 
chafed  and  excited  mood.  Graydon  meanwhile  ex 
amined  everything  carefully,  and  saw  that  the  bridle 
had  a  powerful  curb. 

Well,"    said   he,    ruefully,    "  if    you    will,    you 
will." 

'  Yes  ;  in  no  other  way  can  I  satisfy  you,"  was 
her  quiet  reply. 

"  Let  us  get  away,  then  ;  spectators  are  gather 
ing.  You  should  be  able  to  hold  him  with  this 
rein.  Gome." 

She  put  her  foot  in  his  hand,  and  was  mounted 
in  a  second,  the  reins  well  in  hand.  The  horse 
reared,  but  a  sharp  downward  pull  to  the  right 


" VEILED    WOOING."  249 

brought  him  to  his  feet  again.  Then  he  plunged 
and  kicked,  but  she  sat  as  if  a  part  of  him,  mean 
while  speaking  to  him  in  firm,  gentle  tones.  His 
next  unexpected  freak  was  to  run  backward  in  a 
way  that  sent  the  neighboring  group  flying.  In 
stantly  Madge  gave  him  a  stinging  blow  over  the 
hind  quarters,  and  he  fairly  sprung  into  the  air. 

"Get  off,  Madge,"  cried  Mr.  Muir,  authorita 
tively,  but  the  horse  was  speeding  down  the  road 
toward  the  house,  and  Graydon,  who  had  looked 
on  breathlessly,  followed.  Before  they  reached  the 
hotel  she  had  brought  him  up  with  the  powerful 
curb,  and  prancing,  curveting,  straining  sideways 
first  in  one  direction,  then  in  the  other,  meanwhile 
trembling  half  with  anger,  half  with  terror,  the 
mastered  brute  passed  the  piazza  with  its  admiring 
groups.  Graydon  was  at  her  side.  He  did  not  see 
Miss  Wildmere  frowning  with  vexation  and  envy, 
or  Arnault's  complacent  observance.  With  sternly 
Compressed  lips  and  steady  eye  he  watched  Madge, 
that,  whatever  emergency  occurred,  he  might  do  all 
that  was  possible.  The  young  girl  herself  was  a 
presence  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  Her  lips  were 
slightly  parted,  her  eye  glowing  with  a  joyous  sense 
of  po\ver,  and  her  pose,  flexible  to  the  eccentric 
motions  of  the  horse,  grace  itself.  They  passed  on 
down  the  winding  carriage-drive,  out  upon  the  main 
street,  and  then  she  turned,  waved  her  handkerchief 
to  Mr.  Muir,  and  with  her  companion  galloped 
a  way. 

Several  of  Mr.  Muir's  acquaintances  came  for- 
\\ard,  offering  congratulations,  which  he  accepted 


250  A    YOUNG    G/A'L'S   WOOING. 

with  his  quiet  smile,  and  then  went  up  to  reassure 
his  wife,  who,  in  spite  of  her  words  to  the  contrary, 
had  kept  her  eyes  fastened  upon  Madge  as  long  as 
she  was  in  sight. 

Well,"  she  exclaimed,  "  did  you  ever  see  any 
thing  equal  to  that  ?" 

Xo,"  said  her  husband,  "  but  I  have  seen  noth 
ing  wonderful  or  unnatural  ;  she  did  not  do  a  thing 
that  she  had  not  been  trained  and  taught  to  do, 
and  all  her  acts  were  familiar  by  much  usage." 

I  think  she's  a  prodigy,"  exclaimed  Airs.  Muir. 

Nothing  of  the  kind.  She  is  a  handsome  girl, 
with  good  abilities,  who  has  had  the  sense  to 
make  the  most  and  best  of  herself  instead  of  dawd 
ling." 

After  an  easy  gallop  of  a  mile,  in  which  Madge 
showed  complete  power  to  keep  her  horse  from 
breaking  into  a  mad  run,  she  drew  rein  and  looked 
at  Graydon  with  a  smile.  He  took  off  his  hat  and 
bowed,  laughingly. 

O  Graydon,"  she  said,  "  it  was  nice  of  you  to 
let  me  have  my  own  way  !" 

''  I  didn't  do  it  very  gracious!}-.  I  have  seldom 
been  more  worried  in  my  life." 

'  I'm   glad  you   were  a  little  worried,"   she  said. 
It  recalls  your   look   and    tone  at   the  time  of   our 
parting,  when  you  said,  '  O  Madge,  do  get  well  and 
strong  !  '      Haven't  I  complied  with  your  wish  ?" 

Had  my  wish  anything  to  do  with  your  compli 
ance  ?" 

"  Why  not  ?" 

What  an  idiot   I've  been  !      I  fear  I  have  been 


" VE ii. ED  \vooL\r(;:'  251 

misjudging  you  absurd]}-.      I've  had  no  end  of  ridic 
ulous  thoughts  and  theories  about  you." 

'  Indeed  !  Apparently  I  had  slight  plaee  in  your 
thoughts  at  all,  but  1  made  great  allowances  for  a 
man  in  your  condition." 

'  That  was  kind,  but  you  were  mistaken.  Why, 
Madge,  \ve  were  almost  brought  up  together,  and  I 
couldn't  reconcile  the  past  and  the  present.  The 
years  you  spent  in  the  far  West,  and  their  result, 
are  more  wonderful  than  a  fairy  tale.  1  wish  you 
would  tell  me  about  them." 

I  will.  Friends  should  be  reasonably  frank. 
What's  more,  I  wish  to  show  you  how  natural  and 
probable  the  result,  as  you  call  it,  has  been.  Your 
wondering  perplexity  vexes  me.  You  know  what  I 
was  when  we  parted." 

'  No,  I  don't  believe  I  do,  or  you  couldn't  be 
what  you  are  now. 

Well,  I  can  tell  you  :  I  had  weak  lungs,  a  weak 
both',  and  a  weak,  uncultured  mind.  I  was  weak 
in  all  respects,  but  1  discovered  that  I  had  a  will, 
and  I  had  sense  enough,  as  Henry  says,  to  know 
that  if  I  was  ever  going  to  be  more  than  a  ghost  it 
was  time  1  set  about  it.  I  knew  of  Airs.  \Yayland's 
restoration  to  health  in  the  climate  of  Santa  Ba;  - 
bara,  and  I  determined  to  try  it  myself.  I  couldn't 
have  had  better  friends  or  advantages  than  the  place 
afforded.  But  oh,  Graydon,  I  was  so  weak  and 
used  up  when  I  reached  there  that  1  could  scarcely 
do  more  than  breathe.  But  I  had  made  up  my 
mind  either  to  get  well  or  to  die.  I  rested  for 
days,  until  I  could  make  a  beginning,  and  then, 


252  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

one  step  at  a  time,  as  it  were,  I  \vent  forward. 
Take  two  things  that  you  have  seen  me  do,  for  ex 
ample.  One  can  bathe  in  the  sea  at  Santa  Barbara 
almost  throughout  the  year.  At  first  I  was  as 
timid  as  a  child,  and  scarcely  dared  to  wet  my  feet  ; 
but  Mr.  Wayland  was  a  sensible  instructor,  and  led 
me  step  by  step.  The  water  was  usually  still,  and 
I  gradually  acquired  the  absolute  confidence  of  one 
who  can  swim,  and  swims  almost  every  day.  So 
with  a  horse.  I  could  hardly  sit  on  one  that  was 
standing  still,  I  was  so  weak  and  frightened  ;  but 
with  muscle  and  health  came  stronger  nerves  and 
higher  courage.  After  a  few  months  I  thought 
nothing  of  a  ten-mile  gallop  on  the  beach  or  out  to 
the  cartons.  I  took  up  music  in  the  same  way,  and 
had  a  thoroughly  good  teacher.  He  did  the  best 
he  could  for  me,  which  wasn't  so  very  much.  I 
never  could  become  a  scientist  in  anything,  but  I 
was  determined  to  be  no  sham  within  my  limita 
tions.  I  have  tried  to  do  some  things  as  well  as  I 
could  and  let  the  rest  go.  Now  you  see  how  easily 
I  can  explain  myself,  and  I  only  seem  wonderful 
because  of  contrast  with  what  I  was." 

"  But  where  do  I  come  in  ?"  he  asked,  eagerly. 

!<  Did  you  not  say,  '  Please  get  well  and  strong  '  ? 
I  thought  it  would  gratify  you  and  Mary  and 
Henry.  You  used  to  call  me  a  ghost,  and  I  did  not 
want  to  be  a  ghost  any  longer.  I  saw  that  you  en 
joyed  your  vigorous  life  fully,  and  felt  that  I  might 
enjoy  life  also  ;  and  as  I  grew  strong  I  did  enjoy 
everything  more  and  more.  Two  things  besides, 
and  I  can  say,  'All  present  or  accounted  for.' 


iroorxcr  253 

Mr.  Wayland  is  a  student,  and  has  a  splendid 
library.  He  coached  me — that  was  your  old  college 
jargon— on  books,  and  Mrs.  Wayland  coached  me 
on  society.  So  here  I  am,  weighing  a  hundred  and 
twenty  pounds,  more  or  less,  and  ready  for  another 
gallop  ;"  and  away  she  went,  the  embodiment  of 
beautiful  life. 

"One  more  question,  Madge,"  he  said,  as  they 
slackened  pace  again.  '  Why  wouldn't  you  write 
to  me  oftener  ?" 

'  I  don't  like  to  write  letters.  Mine  to  Mary 
were  scarcely  more  than  notes.  Ask  her.  Are  you 
satisfied  now  ?  Am  I  a  sphinx— a  conundrum — any 
longer  ?" 

"  No  ;  and  at  last  I  am  more  than  content  that 
you  are  not  little  Madge." 

Why,  this  is  famous,  as  Dr.  Sommers  says. 
When  was  a  man  ever  known  to  change  his  mind 
before  ?" 

I've  changed  mine  so  often  of  late  that  I'm 
fairly  dizzy.  You  are  setting  me  straight  at  last." 

Madge  laughed  outright,  and  after  a  moment 
said,  "  Now  account  for  yourself.  What  places 
did  you  visit  abroad  ?" 

He  began  to  tell  her,  and  she  to  ask  questions 
that  surprised  him,  showing  that  she  had  some  idea 
of  even  the  topography  and  color  of  the  region,  and 
a  better  knowledge  of  the  history  and  antiquities 
than  himself.  At  last  he  expressed  his  wonder. 
'  What  nonsense  !"  she  exclaimed.  '  You  don't 
remember  the  little  I  did  write  you.  As  I  said  be 
fore,  did  you  not  at  my  request — very  kindly  and 


liberally,  too,  Gray  don — send  me  books  about  the 
places  you  expected  to  see  ?  A  child  could  have 
read  them  and  so  have  gained  the  information  that 
surprises  you." 

They  talked  on.  one  thing  leading  to  another, 
until  he  had  a  conscious  glow  of  mental  excitement. 
She  knew  so  much  that  he  knew,  only  in  a  different 
way,  and  her  thoughts  came  rippling  forth  in 
piquant,  musical  words.  ller  eyes  were  so  often 
full  of  laughter  that  he  saw  that  she  was  happy,  and 
he  remembered  after  their  return  that  she  had  not 
said  an  ill-natured  word  about  any  one.  It  was  an 
other  of  their  old-time,  breezy  talks,  only  larger, 
fuller,  complete  with  her  rich  womanhood.  He 
found  himself  alive  in  every  fibre  of  his  body  and 
faculty  of  his  mind. 

As  they  turned  homeward  the  evening  shadows 
were  gathering,  and  at  last  the  dusky  twilight 
passed  into  a  soft  radiance  under  the  rays  of  the 
full-orbed  moon. 

"Oh,  don't  let  us  hasten  home,"  pleaded  poor 
Madge,  who  felt  that  this  might  be  her  only  chance 
to  throw  about  him  the  gossamer  threads  which 
would  draw  the  cord  and  cable  that  could  bind  him 
to  her.  '  What  is  supper  to  the  witchery  of  such 
a  night  as  this  ?" 

'  What  would  anything  be  to  the  witchery  of 
such  a  girl  as  this,  if  one  were  not  fortified?"  he 
thought.  '  This  is  not  the  comradeship  of  a  good 
fellow,  as  she  promised.  It  is  the  society  of  a 
charming  woman,  who  is  feminine  in  even  her 
thoughts  and  modes  of  expression, — who  is  often 


-'55 

strangely,  bewilderingly  beautiful  in  this  changing 
light.  When  we  pass  under  the  shadow  of  a  tree 
her  eyes  shine  like  stars  ;  when  the  rays  of  the 
moon  are  full  upon  her  face  it  is  almost  as  pure  and 
white  as  when  it  was  illumined  by  the  electric  flash. 
Did  I  not  love  another  woman,  I  could  easily  imag 
ine  myself  learning  to  love  her.  Confound  it  !  I 
wish  Stella  had  more  of  Madge's  simple  loftiness  of 
character.  She  would  compel  different  business 
methods  in  her  father.  She  woukl  work  for  him, 
suffer  for  him,  but  would  not  play  diplomate.  I 
like  that  Arnault  business  to-night  less  than  ever." 

Mr.  and  Airs.  Muir  were  anxiously  awaiting  them 
en  the  piax/.a  as  the}'  trotted  smartly  up  the  avenue. 

It's  all  right,"  cried  Graydon.  '  The  horse  has 
Ijarned  to  know  his  mistress,  and  will  give  no  more 
trouble. " 

I  wish  you  had  as  much  sense,"  growled  Muir, 
in  his  mustache;  then  added,  aloud  :  "Come  to 
.--upper.  Mary  could  not  eat  anything  till  assured 
<  >f  your  safety. 

Yes,  Henry,  I  won't  keep  you  waiting  a  mo 
ment,  but  go  in  with  my  habit  on.  I  suppose  the 
rest  are  all  through,  and  I'm  as  ravenous  as  a  wolf.'  ' 

Thc\r  were  soon  having  the  merriest  little  supper, 
lull  of  laughing  reminiscence,  and  Henry  rubbed  his 
hands  under  the  table  as  he  thought,  "  Arnault  is 
off  mooning  with  the  speculator,  and  (iraydon 
doesn't  look  as  if  the  green-eyed  monster  had  much 
of  a  grip  upon  him. 

Miss  Wildmcre's  solicitude  would  not  permit  her 
to  prolong  her  walk  with  Arnault,  and  she  returned 


256  ./    YOir.YG    GIRL'S   /JYX9AW7. 

to  the  parlor  comparatively  early  in  the  evening. 
She  found  Graydon  awaiting  her,  and  he  was  as 
quietly  devoted  as  ever.  She  looked  at  him  a  little 
questioningly,  but  he  met  her  eyes  with  his  quiet 
and  assured  look.  When  she  danced  with  Arnault 
and  other  gentlemen  he  sought  a  partner  in  Madge 
or  some  other  lady  ;  and  once,  while  they  were 
walking  on  the  piazza,  and  Miss  Wildmere  said, 

Von  must  have  enjoyed  yourself  immensely  with 
Miss  Alden  to  have  been  out  so  long,"  he  replied, 

I  did.  I  hope  you  passed  your  time  as  agree 
ably." 

She  saw  that  her  relations  with  Arnault  gave  him 
an  advantage  and  a  freedom  which  he  proposed  to 
use, — that  she  had  no  ground  on  which  to  find 
fault, — and  that  he  was  too  proud  to  permit  censure 
for  a  course  less  open  to  criticism  than  her  own. 

Before  she  slept  she  thought  long  and  deeply,  at 
last  concluding  that  perhaps  affairs  were  taking  the 
right  turn  for  her  purpose.  Graydon  was  tolerating 
as  a  disagreeable  necessity  what  he  regarded  as  her 
filial  diplomacy  with  Arnault.  He  \vas  loyally  and 
quietly  waiting  until  this  necessity  should  cease, 
and  was  so  doing  because  he  supposed  it  to  be  her 
wish.  If  she  could  keep  him  in  just  this  attitude  it 
would  leave  her  less  embarrassed,  give  her  more 
time,  than  if  he  were  an  ardent  and  jealous  suitor. 
She  was  scarcely  capable  of  love,  but  she  admired 
him  more  than  ever  each  clay.  She  saw  that  he  was 
the  superior  of  Arnault  in  every  way,  and  was  so 
recognized  by  all  in  the  house  ;  therefore  one  of 
her  strongest  traits — vanity — was  enlisted  in  his  be- 


"i r EI LED  ir DOING:*  257 

half.  She  saw,  also,  that  he  represented  a  higher 
type  of  manhood  than  she  had  been  accustomed  to, 
and  she  was  beginning  to  stand  in  a\ve  of  him  also, 
but  for  reasons  differing  widely  from  those  which 
caused  her  fear  of  Arnault,  She  dreaded  the  lat- 
ler's  pride,  the  resolute  selfishness  of  his  scheme  of 
life,  which  would  lead  him  to  drop  her  should  she 
interfere  with  it.  She  was  learning  to  dread  even 
more  Graydon's  high-toned  sense  of  honor,  the 
final  decisions  he  reached  from  motives  which  had 
slight  influence  with  her.  What  if  she  should  per 
mit  both  men  to  slip  from  her  grasp,  while  she 
hesitated  ?  She  fairly  turned  cold  with  horror  at 
the  thought  of  this  and  of  the  poverty  which  might 
result. 

Thus,  from  widely  differing  motives,  two  girls 
were  sighing  for  time  ;  and  Graydon  Muir,  strong, 
confident,  proud  of  his  knowledge  of  society  and 
ability  to  take  care  of  himself,  was  walking  blindly 
on,  the  victim  of  one  woman's  guile,  the  object  of 
another  woman's  pure,  unselfish  love,  and  liable  at 
any  hour  to  be  blasted  for  life  by  the  fulfilment  of 
his  hope  and  the  consummation  of  his  happiness. 

Sweet    Madge   Alden,  hiding  your   infinite  treas 
ure,    deceiving   all    and   yet   so   true,  may  you  have 
lime  ! 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

S  U  G  G  E  S  T  I  V  E    T  O  N  E  S  . 

MISS  WILDMERE  had  promised  to  drive 
with  Graydon  on  the  following  morning,  but 
Madge  felt  as  if  heaven  had  interfered  in  her  be 
half,  for  the  skies  were  clouded,  and  the  rain  fell 
unceasingly.  People  were  at  a  loss  to  beguile  the 
hours.  Graydon,  Miss  Wildmcre,  and  Mr.  Arnault 
played  pool  together,  while  Mr.  Muir,  his  wife,  and 
Madge  bowled  for  an  hour,  the  last  winning  most 
of  the  games.  Mr.  Arnault  had  a  certain  rude  sense 
of  fair  play,  and  it  appeared  to  him  that  Graydon's 
course  had  become  all  that  he  could  ask, — more 
than  he  could  naturally  expect.  The  lady  was  ap 
parently  left  wholly  free  to  make  her  choice  between 
them,  and  all  protest,  even  by  manner,  against  her 
companionship  with  him  had  ceased.  lie  could 
drive,  walk,  or  dance  with  her  at  his  will  ;  then 
Graydon  would  quietly  put  in  an  appearance  and 
make  the  most  of  his  opportunity.  Arnault  was 
not  deceived,  however.  He  knew  that  his  present 
rival  was  the  most  dangerous  one  that  he  had  ever 
encountered, — that  Stella  might  accept  him  at  any 
time  and  was  much  inclined  to  do  so  speedily.  In- 


'59 

deed,  he  was  about  driven  to  the  belief  that  she 
would  do  so  at  once  but  for  the  fear  that  the  Muirs 
were  in  financial  peril.  lie  hoped  that  this  fear  and 
the  pressure  of  her  father's  need  might  lead  her  to 
decide  in  his  favor,  without  the  necessity  of  his  be 
ing  the  immediate  and  active  agent  in  breaking 
do\vn  the  Muirs.  As  a  business  .man,  he  shrunk 
from  this  course,  and  all  the  more  because  Graydon 
was  acting  so  fairly.  Nevertheless,  he  would  play 
his  principal  card  if  he  must.  It  was  his  nature  to 
win  in  every  game  of  life,  and  it  had  become  a  pas 
sion  with  him  to  secure  the  beautiful  girl  that  he 
had  sought  so  long  and  vainly.  If  it  could  appear 
to  the  world  that  he  had  fairly  won  her,  he  would 
not  scruple  at  anything  in  the  accomplishment  of 
his  purpose,  and  would  feel  that  he  had  scored  the 
most  brilliant  success  in  his  life.  If  he  could  do 
this  without  ruining  them,  he  would  be  glad,  and 
his  good-will  was  enhanced  by  Graydon's  course 
this  morning.  The  former  had  sauntered  into  the 
billiard-room,  but,  seeing  Graydon  with  Miss  \Yild- 
nu  re,  had  been  about  to  depart,  when  Muir  had 
said,  cordially,  "Come,  Arnault,  take  a  cue  with 
us,"  and  had  quite  disarmed  him  by  frank  courtesy. 
At  last  the  sound  of  music  and  laughter  lured 
them  to  the  main  hall,  and  there  they  found  Madge 
surrounded  by  children  and  young  people,  little 
Xdlie  Wilder  clinging  to  her  side  the  most  closely, 
with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilder  looking  at  the  young 
giil  with  a  world  of  grateful  good-will  in  their  eyes. 
C)  Miss  Alden,  sing  us  another  song,"  clamored 
a  do/en  voices. 


260  A  YOUXG  GIRT:  . 9  irooixc. 

'  Yes,"  cried  Jennie  Muir  ;  "  the  funny  one  you 
sung  for  us  in  the  woods." 

Madge  smilingly  complied,  and  the  children  fairly 
danced  in  their  delight  at  the  comical  strains,  ab 
rupt  pauses,  droll  sentiment,  and  interlarded  words 
of  explanation.  The  more  elderly  guests  were  at 
tracted,  and  the  audience  grew  apace.  Having  fin 
ished  her  little  musical  comedy,  Madge  arose,  and 
Mr.  Arnault,  aware  of  Stella  Wildmere's  ability  to 
sing  selections  from  opera,  said,  "  Since  the  children 
have  been  so  well  entertained,  I  suggest  that  we  \vho 
h  ive  the  misfortune  to  be  grown  have  our  turn,  and 
that  Miss  \Yildmere  give  us  some  grown-up  music." 

Madge  flushed  slightly,  and  Miss  Wildmere,  after 
a  little  charming  hesitation,  seated  herself  at  the 
piano,  and  sung  almost  faultlessly  a  selection  from 
an  opera.  It  was  evident  that  she  had  been  well 
and  carefully  trained,  and  that  within  her  limita 
tions,  which  she  thoughtfully  remembered,  she  gave 
little  occasion  for  criticism.  Both  her  suitors  were 
delighted.  They  applauded  so  heartily,  and  urged 
so  earnestly  with  others,  that  she  sung  again  and 
again,  to  the  unaffected  pleasure  of  the  throng  who 
had  now  gathered.  At  last  she  pleaded  fatigue, 
and  rose  from  the  instrument,  flushing  proudly  amid 
vociferous  encores.  Grayclon  was  about  to  ask 
Madge  to  sing  again,  when  an  old  gentleman  who 
had  listened  to  the  children's  ditties,  and  had  de 
tected  unusual  sweetness  and  power  in  Madge's 
tones,  said,  promptly,  "  I  may  be  mistaken,  but  I 
have  an  impression  that  Miss  Alden  can  give  us 
some  grown-up  music,  if  she  will." 


261 

Instantly  his  suggestion  \vas  seconder  by  general 
entreaty,  in  which  not  only  Graydon  joined  from 
sincere  good-will,  but  also  Mr.  Arnault,  in  the  hope 
of  giving  Stella  a  triumph,  for  he  believed  that  the 
best  her  social  rival  could  do  would  be  to  render 
some  ballad  fairly  well. 

Madge's  brow  contracted,  as  though  she  were 
irresolute  and  troubled. 

'Truly,  Miss  Alden,"  said  Stella,  who  was 
standing  near,  "  I  have  clone  my  part  to  beguile  the 
dismal  day  ;  I  think  you  might  favor  us,  also. 
There  are  no  critics  here,  I  hope.  We  should 
enjoy  a  simple  song  if  you  cannot  now  recall  any 
thing  else." 

'  Very  well,  then,  I  will  give  you  a  little  German 
song  that  my  old  teacher  loved  well  ;"  but  Graydon 
saw  the  same  slight  flush  and  a  resolute  expression 
take  the  place  of  her  hesitancy. 

After  a  brief  prelude,  which,  to  his  trained  ear, 
revealed  her  perfect  touch,  her  voice  rose  with  a 
sweet,  resonant  power  that  held  those  near  spell 
bound,  and  swelled  in  volume  until  people  in  dis 
tant  parts  of  the  house  paused  and  listened  as  if 
held  by  a  viewless  hand.  Connoisseurs  felt  that 
the}"  were  listening  to  an  artist  and  not  an  amateur  ; 
plain  men  and  women,  ami  the  children,  knew  sim 
ply  that  they  were  enjoying  music  that  entranced 
t'.icm,  that  set  their  nerves  thrilling  and  vibrating. 
Madge  hoped  only  that  her  voice  might  penetrate 
t'ne  barriers  between  herself  and  one  man's  heart. 
She  did  not  desire  to  sing  on  the  present  occasion. 
She  did  not  wish  to  annov  him  bv  the  contrast  be- 


202  .-/    YOUNG    GIRL'S   ll'00/A'G. 

tween  her  song  and  Miss  Wildmere's  performance, 
feeling  that  he  would  naturally  take  sides  in  his 
thoughts  with  the  woman  outvied  ;  nor  had  she  any 
desire  to  inflict  upon  her  rival  the  disparagement 
that  must  follow  ;  but  something  in  Miss  Wild- 
mere's  self-satisfied  and  patronizing  tone  had 
touched  her  quick  spirit,  and  the  arrogant  girl 
should  receive  the  lesson  she  had  invited.  But,  as 
Madge  sung  the  noble  art  soon  lifted  her  above  all 
lower  thoughts,  and  she  forgot  everything  but 
Graydon  and  the  hope  of  her  heart.  She  sung  for 
him  alone,  as  she  had  learned  to  sing  for  him  alone. 

In  spite  of  her  explanations  he  looked  at  her  with 
the  same  old 'wonder  and  perplexity  of  which  he- 
had  been  conscious  from  the  first.  If  she  had 
merely  sung  with  correctness  and  taste,  like  Miss 
Wildmere,  there  would  have  been  nothing  to  dis 
turb  his  complacent  admiration  ;  but  now  he  almost 
felt  like  springing  to  her  side  with  the  words, 
"  What  is  it,  Madge?  Tell  me  all." 

As  the  last  lovely  notes  ceased,  only  the  unthink 
ing  children  applauded.  From  the  others  there  was 
entreaty. 

Please  sing  again,  Miss  Alden,"  said  the  gen 
tleman  who  had  first  asked  her.  "  I  am  an  old  man, 
and  can't  hope  for  many  more  such  rich  pleasures. 
I  am  not  an  amateur,  and  know  only  the  music  that 
reaches  my  heart." 

"Sing  something  from  LoJicngrin,  Madge,"  said 
Henry  Muir,  quietly.  She  glanced  at  him,  and 
there  was  a  humorous  twinkle  in  his  eyes. 

Herr   Brachmann   had   trained   her   thoroughly  in 


SUGGESTITE    TOA'ES.  263 

some  of  Wagner's  difficult  music,  and  she  gave 
them  a  selection  which  so  far  surpassed  the  easy 
melodies  of  Verdi,  which  Miss  Wildmere  had  sung, 
that  the  latter  sat  pale  and  incensed,  yet  not  daring 
to  show  her  chagrin.  This  music  was  received  with 
unbounded  applause,  and  then  a  little  voice  piped, 

The  big  folks  have  had  more'n  their  turn  ;  now 
give  us  a  reg'lar  Mother  Goose." 

This  request  was  received  with  acclamations,  and 
soon  ripples  of  laughter  broke  over  the  crowd  in  all 
directions,  and  then  one  of  the  adoring  boys  who 
were  usually  worshipping  near  cried  out,  "  A  reel, 
Miss  Alden,  a  reel,  and  let  us  finish  up  with  a  high 
old  dance  before  dinner." 

Graydon  sei/.ed  Miss  Wildmere's  hand,  boys  made 
profound  bows  to  their  mothers,  husbands  dragged 
their  protesting  wives  out  upon  the  floor.  Soon 
nearly  all  ages  and  heights  were  in  the  two  long 
lines,  many  feet  already  keeping  time  to  Madge's 
rollicking  strains.  Never  had  such  a  dance  been 
known  before  in  the  house,  for  the  very  genius  and 
inspiration  of  mirth  seemed  to  be  in  the  piano. 
The  people  were  laughing  half  the  time  at  the  odd 
medley  of  tunes  and  improvisations  that  Madge  in 
voked,  and  gray-bearded  men  indulged  in  some  of 
the  antics  that  they  had  thought  forgotten  a  quarter 
of  ;i  century  before.  As  the  last  couple  at  the 
head  of  the  lines  was  glancing  down  the  archway  of 
raised  and  clasped  hands,  the  lively  strains  ceased, 
and  the  dancers  swarmed  out,  with  thanks  and  con 
gratulations  upon  their  lips,  only  to  see  Madge 
flying  up  the  stairway. 


264  A    YOWG   GIRL'S  IV 00 ING. 

Madge,"  said  Graydon,  at  dinner,  "  1  suppose 
you  will  tell  me  you  have  practised  over  and  over 
again  ever}7  note  you  sung  this  morning." 

"  Certainly  ;  some  of  the  more  difficult  ones  hours 
and  hours  and  months  and  months.  Ilerr  Brach- 
mann  was  an  amiable  dragon  in  music,  and  insisted 
on  your  knowing  what  you  did  know." 

I  thought  you  would  say  all  this,  but  it  doesn't 
account  for  your  singing." 
'  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

I  don't  know  exactly.  There  is  something  you 
did  not  get  from  Ilerr  Brachmann, — scarcely  from 
nature.  It  suggests  what  artists  call  feeling,  and 
more. " 

"Oh,  every  one  has  his  own  method,"  said 
Madge,  carelessly,  and  yet  with  a  visible  increase  of 
color. 

'  Method,'  do  you  call  it  ?  I'm  half  inclined  to 
think  that  it  might  be  akin  to  madness  were  you 
very  unhappy.  The  human  voice  often  has  a 
strange  power  over  me,  and  I  have  a  theory  that  it 
may  reveal  character  more  than  people  imagine. 
\Yhy  shouldn't  it  ?  It  is  the  chief  medium  of  our 
expression,  and  we  may  even  unconsciously  reveal 
ourselves  in  our  tones." 

'  When  were  you  so  fanciful  before  ?  What  does 
a  professional  reveal  ?" 

"  Chiefly  that  she  is  a  trained  professional,  and 
yet  even  the  most  blase  among  them  give  hints  as  to 
the  compass  of  their  woman-nature.  I  think  their 
characters  are  often  suggested  quite  definitely  by 
their  tones.  Indeed,  I  even  find  myself  judging 


people  by  their  voices.  Henry's  tones  indicate 
many  of  his  chief  traits  accurately, — as,  for  in 
stance,  self-reliance,  reserve,  quiet  and  unswerving 
purpose. " 

'  Well,"  asked  Mrs.  Muir,  who  was  a  little  ob 
tuse  on  delicate  points,  "  what  did  Miss  Wildmere's 
tones  indicate  ?" 

Graydon  was  slightly  taken  aback,  and  suddenly 
found  that  he  did  not  like  his  theory  so  well  as  he 
had  thought.  'Miss  Wildmere's  tones,"  he  be 
gan,  hesitatingly,  "  suggested  this  morning  little 
more  than  a  desire  to  render  xvell  the  music  she 
sung,  and  to  give  pleasure  to  her  listeners." 

I  thought  they  suggested  some  self-compla 
cency,  which  was  lost  before  the  morning  was 
over,"  added  Mr.  Muir,  dryly. 

'Miss  Wildmcre  sung  admirably,"  exclaimed 
Madge,  warmly,  "  and  could  sing  much  better  if  she 
had  been  trained  in  a  better  method  and  gave  more 
time  to  the  art.  I  sung  hours  every  day  for  nearly 
t\\i)  years.  Nothing  will  take  the  place  of  practice, 
Graydon.  One  must  develop  voice  like  muscle." 

You  are  a  generous,  sensible  critic,  Madge,"  he 
said,  quietly,  although  there  was  a  Hush  of  resent 
ment  on  liis  face  at  his  brother's  words.  '  In  the 
main  you  are  right,  but  I  still  hold  to  my  theory. 
At  least,  I  believe  th.it  in  all  great  music  there  is  a 
subtile  individuality  and  ///<>///.  Love  may  be 
blind,  but  it  is  not  deaf.  Miss  Wildmcre  gave  us 
good  music,  not  great  music." 

Mr.  Muir  began  talking  about  the  weather  as  if  it 
were  the  only  subject  in  his  mind,  and  soon  alter- 


266  A    YOL'XG   GIRL'S   WOOIKG. 

ward  Madge  went  to  her  room  with  bowed  head  and 
downcast  heart. 

I  have  no  chance,-"  she  sighed.  "  He  loves 
her,  and  that  ends  all.  He  is  loyal  to  her,  and  will 
be  loyal,  even  though  she  breaks  his  heart  even 
tually,  as  I  fear.  It's  his  nature." 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

DISHEARTENING   CONFIDENCES. 

UNDER  a  renewed  impulse  of  loyalty  Graydon 
intercepted  Miss  Wildmerc  as  she  was  going 
to  her  room,  and  said  :  "  The  clouds  in  the  west 
are  all  breaking  away, — they  ever  do,  you  know,  if 
one  has  patience.  We  can  still  have  our  drive  and 
enjoy  it  all  the  more  from  hope  deferred." 

I'm  so  sorry,"  she  began,  in  some  embarrass 
ment.  "  Of  course  I  couldn't  know  last  night  that 
it  would  rain  in  the  morning,  and  so  promised  Mr. 
Arnault  this  afternoon." 

'  It  seems  as  if  it  would  ever  be  hope  deferred  to 
me,  Miss  Wildmcre,"  he  said,  gravely. 

But,  Graydon,  you  must  see  how  it  is  - 
No,   I  don't  see,  but  I  yield,  as  usual." 
'  I    promise    you    Sunday    afternoon    or   the   first 
clear  day,"  she  exclaimed,  eagerly. 

'  Very  well,"  he  replied,  brightening.  '  Re 
member  L  shall  be  a  Shylock  with  this  bond."  But 
he  was  irritated,  nevertheless,  and  went  out  on  the 
pia/./.a  to  try  the  soothing  influence  of  a  cigar. 

The  skies  cleared  rapidly.      So  did  his  brow  ;   and 
before   long   he    muttered:    "I'll   console  myself  by 


268  A  YOUXG  crxr.'s 

another  gallop  with  Madge.  There  goes  my  inamo 
rata,  smiling  upon  another  fellow.  How  long  is 
this  going  to  last  ?  Not  all  summer,  by  Jupiter  ! 
Her  father  must  not  insist  on  her  playing  that  game 
too  long,  even  though  she  does  play  it  so  well." 

Madge  was  sitting  in  her  room  in  dreary  apathy 
and  spiritless  reaction  from  the  strain  of  the  morn 
ing,  when  she  was  aroused  by  a  knock  on  her  door. 

Madge,"  called  a  voice  that  sent  the  blood  to  her 
face,  "  what  say  you  to  another  ride  ?  I  know  the 
roads  are  muddy,  but— 

But  I'll  go  with  you,"  she  cried.  '  Why  use 
aclversatives  in  the  same  breath  with  '  ride  '  ?  The 
mud's  nothing.  What  won't  rub  off  can  stay  on. 
How  soon  shall  I  be  ready?" 

That's  a  good  live  girl.      In  half  an  hour." 

When  they  were  a  mile  or  two  away  Madge  asked, 
as  if  with  sudden  compunction,  "  Graydon,  are  you 
sure  you  were  disengaged  ?" 

He  laughed  outright.  '  That  question  comes 
much  too  late,"  he  said. 

She  braced  herself  as  if  to  receive  a  deadly  blow, 
and  was  pale  and  rigid  with  the  effort  as  she  asked, 
with  an  air  of  curiosity  merely,  "  Are  you  truly  en 
gaged  to  Miss  Wildmere,  Graydon  ?" 

In  one  sense  I  am,  ^\Iaclge,"  he  replied,  gravely. 

I  have  given  her  my  loyalty,  and,  to  a  certain 
extent,  my  word  ;  but  I  have  not  bound  her.  Since 
you  have  proved  so  true  and  generous  a  friend  t;> 
me  I  do  not  hesitate  to  let  you  know  the  truth.  1 
am  sorry  you  do  not  like  her  altogether,  and  that 
you  have  some  cause  for  your  feeling  ;  but  you  are 


269 

both  right  at  heart.  She  spoke  most  enthusiastical 
ly  of  your  rescue  of  the  child.  You  ladies  amuse 
me  \vithyour  emphasis  of  little  piques  ;  but  when  it 
comes  to  anything  large  or  fine  you  do  justice  to 
one  another.  Henry  had  no  right  to  say  what  he 
did  at  dinner,  for  Stella  applauded  you  as  you  had 
her  ;  but  Henry's  prejudices  are  inveterate.  Why 
should  I  not  be  loyal  to  her,  Madge  ?  I  believe  she 
remained  free  for  my  sake  during  the  years  of  my 
absence. " 

I  think  your  feelings  arc  very  natural.  They 
are  what  I  should  expect  of  you.  You  have  always 
seemed  to  me  the  soul  of  honor  when  once  you  ob 
tain  your  bearings,"  she  added,  with  a  wan  smile. 

I  low  pale  you  are,  Madge  !"  he  said,  anxiously. 

I  am  not  feeling  very  well  to-day,  and  then  I 
am  suffering  from  the  reaction  of  this  morning.  I 
never  can  get  over  my  old  timidity  and  dislike  to 
do  anything  in  public.  I  can  do  what  1  will,  but  it 
often  costs  me  dear.  I  was  led  on  unexpectedly 
this  morning.  I  only  anticipated  singing  a  ditty 
for  the  children  when  I  first  went  to  the  piano  at 
their  request." 

I  saw  that,  Madge.  Any  other  woman  with 
your  power  of  song  would  have  made  it  known  long- 
before  this. " 

And,  believe  me,  Graydon,  I  did  not  want  to 
sing-  in  rivalry  with  Miss  \Vildmcre.  I'm  sorry  1 
did." 

1  saw  that  too,"  he  replied,  laughing.  "  Stella 
dre\v  that  little  experience  down  upon  herself." 

I'm    sorry  now  that    I    sung,"  she  said,  in  a  low 


270  A    YOL'.YG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

tone.        '  I  didn't   want   to   do   anything  to  hurt  the 
feelings  of  so  good  a  friend  as  you  are." 

'  You  didn't  hurt  my  feelings  in  the  least.  Just 
the  contrary.  You  gave  much  pleasure,  and  made 
me  all  the  more  proud  of  you.  It  will  do  Stella  no 
harm  to  have  her  self-complacency  jostled  a  little. 
Slight  wonder  that  her  head  is  somewhat  giddy 
from  the  immense  amount  of  attention  she  has 
received.  I'm  not  perfect,  Madge  ;  why  should  I 
demand  perfection  ?  It's  delightful  to  be  talking  in 
this  way — like  old  times.  I  used  to  talk  to  you 
about  Stella  years  ago.  If  I  have  the  substance  I 
can  forego  the  shadow,  and  I  do  feel  that  I  can  say 
to  you  all  that  I  could  to  a  sensible  and  loving  sis 
ter.  Believe  me,  Madge,  I  can  never  get  over  my 
old  feeling  for  you,  and  I'm  just  as  proud  of  you  as 
if  your  name  was  Madge  Muir.  I  think  your  brave 
effort  and  achievement  at  Santa  Barbara  simply 
magnificent.  You  have  long  had  the  affection  that 
I  would  give  to  a  sister,  and  now  that  I  understand 
you,  I  feel  for  you  all  the  respect  that  I  could  give 
to  any  woman. " 

Those  are  kind,  generous  words,  Graydon.  I 
knew  that  you  misunderstood  me,  and  I  was  only 
provoked  at  you,  not  angry." 

'  You  had  good  reason  to  be  provoked  and  much 
more.  If  you  and  Stella  understood  each  other  in 
the  same  way,  and — well — if  she  were  only  out  of 
that  atmosphere  in  which  she  has  been  brought  up, 
I  could  ask  nothing  more." 

'  What  atmosphere?" 
"  Wall  Street  atmosphere  transferred   to  the  do- 


DISHEARTENING    CONF1  PK^CI-.S.  271 

mostic  and  social  circle.  You  have  too  much  deli 
cacy,  Madge,  to  refer  to  what  I  know  puzzles  you, 
and  I  admit  that  I  do  not  fully  understand  it  all, 
though  T  kno\v  Stella's  motive  clearly  enough.  Her 
motive  is  worthy  of  all  commendation,  but  not  her 
method.  She  is  not  so  much  to  blame  for  this  as 
her  father,  and  perhaps  her  mother,  who  appears  a 
weak,  spiritless  woman,  a  faint  echo  of  her  hus 
band.  It  is  here  that  the  infernal  Wall  Street  at 
mosphere  comes  in  that  she  has  breathed  all  her  life. 
Does  it  not  puzzle  you,  in  view  of  my  relations  to 
her,  that  she  should  be  out  driving  with  Arnault?" 
'  Yes,  Graydon,  it  does." 

Well,  Arnault  is  a  money-lender,  and  I  am  sat 
isfied  that  in  some  way  he  has  her  father  in  his 
power.  Many  of  these  brokers  arc  like  cats.  They 
will  hold  on  to  anything  by  one  nail,  and  the  first 
thing  you  know  the}'  are  on  their  feet  again  all 
right.  As  soon  as  Wildmere  makes  a  lucky  strike 
in  the  stock-market  he  will  extricate  himself  and  his 
daughter  at  the  same  time.  Of  course  these  things 
are  not  formulated  in  words,  in  a  cold-blooded  way, 
I  suppose.  Arnault  has  long  been  a  suitor  that 
would  take  no  rebuff.  I  am  satisfied  that  she  has 
refused  him  more  than  once,  but  he  simply  persists, 
and  gives  her  to  understand  that  he  will  take  his 
chances.  This  was  the  state  of  affairs  when  I  came 
home,  and  she,  no  doubt,  feels  that  if  she  can  save 
her  father,  and  keep  a  home  for  her  mother  and  the 
little  one,  she  ought  to  retain  her  hold  on  Arnault. 
After  all,  it  is  not  so  bad.  Many  women  marry  for 
money  outright,  and  all  poor  Stella  proposes  is  to 


272  A  vor.vc  CIRI:S 

be  complaisant  toward  a  man  who  would  not  con 
tinue   his  business  support   to   one  whose  daughter 
had  just  refused  him." 
Madge  was  silent. 

'  You  wouldn't  do  such  a  thing,  I  suppose." 
:<  I  couldn't,  Graydon,"  she  said,  simply.      "  If  I 
should   ever   love    a    man    I    think    I    could   suffer  a 
great  deal  for  his  sake,  but  there  are  some  things  I 
couldn't  do. " 

I  thought  you  would  feel  so."  . 
'  Why  don't  you   help   her  father  out?"  Madge 
faltered. 

I  don't  think  I  have  sufficient  means.  I  have 
never  been  over-thrifty  in  saving,  and  have  not  laid 
by  many  thousands.  I  have  merely  a  good  salary 
and  very  good  prospects.  You  can't  imagine  how 
slow  and  conservative  Henry  is.  In  business  mat 
ters  he  treats  me  just  as  if  I  were  a  stranger,  and  I 
must  prove  myself  worthy  of  trust  at  every  point, 
and  by  long  apprenticeship,  before  he  will  give  me  a 
voice  in  affairs.  He  says  coming  forward  too  fast  is 
the  ruination  of  young  men  in  our  day.  Nothing 
would  tempt  him  to  have  dealings  with  Mr.  Wild- 
mere,  and  I  couldn't  damage  myself  more  than  by 
any  transactions  on  my  own  account.  But  even  if 
I  were  rich  I  wouldn't  interfere.  I  don't  like  her 
father  any  better  than  Henry  does,  and  if  I  began 
in  this  way  it  would  make  a  bad  precedent.  What  H 
more,  I  won't  introduce  money  influences  into  an 
affair  of  this  kind.  If  it  comes  to  the  point,  Stella 
must  decide  for  me,  ignoring  all  other  considera 
tions.  If  she  does,  I  won't  permit  her  family  to 


DISIIEA  R  TEN  IXC,    CONFIDENCES.  2  7  3 

suffer,  but  I  propose  to  know  that  she  chooses  me 
absolutely  in  spite  of  everything.  I  am  also  re 
solved  that  she  shall  be  separated  from  her  family 
as  far  as  is  right,  for  there  is  a  tone  about  them  that 
]  don't  like. " 

'I  thank  you  for  your  confidence,  Graydon," 
said  Madge,  quietly.  "  You  are  acting  just  as  I 
should  suppose  you  would.  No  one  in  the  world 
wishes  you  happiness  more  earnestly  than  I  do. 
Come,  let  us  take  this  level  place  like  the  wind." 

She  was   unusually  gay   during  the   remainder  of 
their  ride,  but  seemed   bent  almost  on  running  her 
horse  to  death.        '  To-morrow  is  Sunday,"  she  ex 
plained,  "  and  I  must  crowd  two  rides  into  one." 
'  Wouldn't  you  ride  to-morrow?" 

No  ;  I  have  some  old-fashioned  notions  about 
Sunday.  You  have  been  abroad  too  long,  perhaps, 
to  appreciate  them." 

I  appreciate  fidelity  to  conscience,  Madge." 

They  had  their  supper  together  again  as  on  the 
evening  before,  but  Madge  was  carelessly  languid 
and  fitful  in  her  mirthful  sallies,  and  complained  of 
over-fatigue.  '  I  won't  come  down  again  to 
night,"  she  said  to  Graydon  as  they  passed  out  of 
tile  supper-room.  "Good-night." 

"Good-night,  Madge,"  he  replied,  taking  her 
hand  in  both  his  own.  '  I  understand  you  now, 
and  know  that  you  have  gone  beyond  even  your 
Miperb  strength  to-day.  Sleep  the  sleep  of  the 
justest  and  truest  little  woman  that  ever  breathed. 
(  can't  tell  you  how  much  you  have  added  to  my 
happiness  during  the  past  two  days." 


274  A    YOUNG    GSKL'S 

'  He  understands  me  !"  she  muttered,  as  she 
closed  the  door  of  her  room.  "  I  am  almost  tempt 
ed  to  doubt  whether  a  merciful  God  understands 
me.  Why  was  this  immeasurable  love  put  into  my 
heart  to  be  so  cruelly  thwarted  ?  Why  must  he  go 
blindly  on  to  so  cruel  a  fate  ?  Of  course  she'll  re 
nounce  everything  for  him.  Whatever  else  she  may 
be,  she  is  not  an  idiot." 

Henry  Muir's  quiet  eyes  had  observed  Madge 
closely,  and  from  a  little  distance  he  had  seen  the 
parting  between  her  and  his  brother.  Then  he  saw 
(iraydon  seek  Miss  Wildmere  and  resume  a  manner 
which  he  had  learned  to  detest,  and  the  self-con 
tained  man  went  out  upon  the  grounds,  and  said, 
through  clinched  teeth  :  '  To  think  that  there 
should  have  been  such  a  fool  bearing  the  name  of 
Muir  !  He's  been  gushing  to  Madge  about  that 
speculator,  and  we  shall  yet  have  to  take  her  as  we 
would  an  infection," 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

THE    FILIAL     MARTYR. 

MISS  WILDMERE  appeared  in  one  of  her 
most  brilliant  moods  that  evening.  There 
was  a  dash  of  excitement,  almost  recklessness,  in 
her  gray  eyes.  She  and  Mr.  Arnault  had  been  de 
puted  to  lead  the  German,  but  she  tookGraydon  out 
so  often  as  to  produce  in  Mr.  Arnault's  eyes  an  ex 
pression  which  the  observant  Mr.  Wildmere  did  not 
like  at  all.  He  had  just  returned  from  dreary,  half 
deserted  Wall  Street,  which  was  as  dead  and  hope 
less  as  only  that  region  of  galvanic  life  can  be  at 
times.  lie  had  neither  sold  nor  bought  stock,  but 
had  moused  around,  with  the  skill  of  an  old  Jiabitnc, 
for  information  concerning  the  eligibility  of  the  two 
men  who  were  seeking  his  daughter's  hand.  In  the 
midsummer  dulness  and  holiday  stagnation  the  im 
pending  operation  in  the  Catskills  was  the  only  one 
that  promised  anything  whatever.  He  became 
more  fully  satisfied  that  Arnault's  firm  was  pros 
pering.  They  had  been  persistent  "  bears"  on  a 
market  that  had  long  been  declining,  and  had 
reaped  a  golden  harvest  from  the  miseries  of  others. 
(  )n  the  other  hand,  he  learned  that  Henry  Muir  was 


276  .--/    YOUXG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

barely  holding  his  own,  and  that  lie  had  strained  his 
eredit  dangerously  to  do  this.  lie  knew  about 
the  enterprise  which  had  absorbed  the  banker's 
capita],  and  while  he  believed  it  would  respond 
promptly  to  the  returning  flow  of  the  financial  tide, 
it  now  seemed  stranded  among  more  hopeless  vent 
ures.  There  was  no  escaping  the  conviction  that 
Muir  was  in  a  perilous  position,  and  that  a  little 
thing  might  push  him  over  the  brink.  Therefore, 
he  had  returned  fully  bent  upon  using  all  his  influ 
ence  in  behalf  of  Arnault,  and  was  spurred  to  this 
effort  by  the  fact  that  his  finances,  but  not  his  ex 
penses,  were  running  low.  His  wife  could  give  but 
a  dubious  account  of  Stella's  conduct. 

'In  short,"  said  Air.  Wildmere,  irritably,  "  she  is 
dallying  with  both,  and  may  lose  both  by  her  hesi 
tating  foil}-. " 

His  daughter's  greeting  was  brief  and  formal.  A 
sort  of  matter-of-course  kiss  had  been  given,  and 
then  he  had  been  left  to  eat  his  supper  alone,  since 
his  wife  could  not  just  then  be  absent  from  her 
child.  At  last  he  lounged  out  on  the  piazza,  sat 
down  before  one  of  the  parlor  windows,  glanced  at 
the  gay  scene  within,  and  smoked  in  silence.  Be 
fore  the  German  began,  Graydon  passed  him  several 
times,  regarding  him  curiously  and  with  a  growing 
sense  of  repulsion.  He  disliked  to  think  that  the 
relation  between  this  man  and  the  girl  he  would 
marry  was  so  close. 

Before  the  evening  was  over,  Mr.  Wildmere  saw 
that  his  daughter  was  in  truth  pursuing  a  difficult 
policy.  The  angry  light  in  Arnault's  eyes  and  the 


gr.ive  expression  on  Graydon's  face  proved  how 
fnuight  with  peril  it  was  to  his  hopes.  Neither  of 
her  suitors  liked  Stella's  manner  that  evening,  for  it 
suggested  traits  which  promised  ill  for  the  future. 
Graydon,  who  understood  her  the  less,  was  the 
more  lenient  judge. 

'  Not  only  Arnault,"  he  thought,  "  but  her 
father  also,  has  been  pressing  her  toward  a  course 
from  which  she  revolts,  and  she  is  half  reckless  in 
consequence. 

lie  endeavored  by  his  quiet  and  observant  atten 
tion,  by  the  grave  and  gentle  expression  of  his  eyes, 
to  assure  her  once  more  that  she  could  find  a  refuge 
in  him  the  moment  that  she  would  decide  absolutely 
in  his  favor.  She  understood  him  well,  and  was 
enraged  that  she  could  not  that  night  go  out  with 
him  into  the  moonlight,  put  her  hand  in  his,  and 
end  her  suspense. 

Her  father  had  whispered,  significantly,  when 
the}'  met,  "  Stella,  I  must  see  you  before  you  give 
Mr.  Muir  further  encouragement  ;"  and  she,  feeling 
that  it  might  be  among  her  last  chances,  for  the 
present,  of  showing  Graydon  favor,  was  lavish  of  it. 
J'ut  it  was  not  the  preference  of  strong,  true,  wom 
anly  choice  ;  it  was  rather  the  half  defiant  aspect 
v.  ith  which  forbidden  fruit  might  be  regarded. 

As  the  great  clock  was  about  to  chime  the  hour 
of  midnight  the  dancing  ceased.  Arnault  seemed 
determined  to  have  the  last  word,  and  Graydon  in 
terposed  no  obstacle.  The  former  walked  on  the 
pia/./a  by  Stella's  side  for  a  few  turns  in  moody 
silence.  Her  father  still  sat  at  his  post  ot  observa- 


278  ./    YOUNG    C//AV/.S'    M'OOIXG. 

tion.      Mrs.  Wildmere   had   been   with   him   part   of 
the  time,  but  he  had  not  had  much  to  say  to  her. 

Mr.    Arnault,"    said   Stella,    satirically,   at   last, 
I  will    not  tax   your  remarkable  powers  for  enter 
tainment   any   longer.      I    will   now   join   papa,    and 
retire." 

Very  well,  Stella,"  was  the  quiet  reply  ;  "  but 
before  we  part  I  shall  speak  more  to  the  point  than 
if  I  had  talked  hours.  By  this  time  another  week 
the  question  must  be  decided." 

She  bowed,  and  made  no  other  answer. 
"Stella,"   said    her   father  when  they  were  alone 
and  he  had  regarded   for  some  moments  her  averted 
and  half  sullen  face,  "  what  do  you  propose  to  do  ?" 
There  was  no  answer. 

After  another  pause  he  continued  :  "In  settling 
the  question,  represent  your  mother  and  myself  by  a 
cipher.  That  is  all  we  are,  if  the  logic  of  your  past 
action  counts  for  anything.  Again  I  ask,  What  do 
you  propose  to  do  ?  No  matter  how  pretty  and 
flattered  a  girl  may  be,  she  cannot  alter  gravitation. 
There  are  other  facts  just  as  inexorable.  Shutting 
your  eyes  to  them,  or  any  other  phase  of  folly,  will 
not  make  the  slightest  difference." 

I  think  it's  a  horrid  fact  that  I  must  marry  a 
man  that  I  don't  love." 

'  That  is  not  one  of  the  facts  at  all.  Stock-gam 
bler  as  I  am,  and  in  almost  desperate  straits,  I  re 
quire  nothing  of  the  kind.  Knowing  you  as  I  do,  I 
advise  you  to  accept  Arnault  at  once  ;  but  I  do  not 
demand  it  ;  I  do  not  even  urge  it.  If  you  loved 
me,  if  you  would  say,  '  Give  up  this  feverish  life  of 


THE    FILIAL    MARTYR.  279 

risk  ;  I  \vill  help  you  and  suffer  with  you  in  your 
poverty  ;  I  will  marry  Graydon  Muir  and  share  his 
poverty,'  I  would  leave  Wall  Street  at  once  and  for 
ever.  It's  a  maelstrom  in  which  men  of  my  calibre 
and  means  are  sucked  down  sooner  or  later.  The 
prospects  now  are  that  it  will  be  sooner,  unless  I 
am  helped  through  this  crisis." 

I  believe  you  are  mistaken  about  the  Muirs  be 
ing  in  financial  danger." 

I  am  not  mistaken.  They  may  have  to  sus 
pend  during  the  coming  week." 

I  know  that  Graydon  Muir  has  no  suspicion  of 
trouble." 

lie  is  but  a  clerk  in  his  brother's  employ,  and 
has  just  returned  from  a  long  absence.  Mr.  Muir  is 
one  of  the  most  reticent  of  men.  I  have  invested 
in  the  same  dead  stock  that  is  swamping  him,  and 
so  know  whereof  1  speak.  Should  this  stock  de 
cline  further,-  should  it  even  remain  where  it  is 
much  longer, —-he  can't  maintain  himself.  1  know, 
for  I  have  taken  pains  to  obtain  information  since  I 
last  went  to  town. " 

Jkit  if  the  stock  rises,"  she  said,  with  the  nat- 
urd  hope  of  a  speculator's  daughter,  "  he  is  safe." 
"  Yes,  if." 

How  much  time  will  you  give  me  .'"  she  asked, 
I  he  lines  of  her  face  growing  hard  and  resolute. 

This  is  to  be  your  choice,  not  mine,"  said  her 
father,  coldly.  '  You  shall  not  be  able  to  say  that 
I  sold  you  or  tried  to  sell  you.  Of  course  it  would 
be  terribly  hard  for  me  to  lose  my  footing  and  fall, 
and  1  feel  that  I  should  not  rise  again.  Arnault 


worships  success  and  worldly  prestige.  You  arc  a 
part  of  his  ambitious  scheme.  If  you  helped  him 
carry  it  out  he  would  do  almost  anything  you 
wished,  and  he  could  throw  business  enough  in  my 
way  to  put  me  speedily  on  my  feet.  You  must 
make  your  choice  in  view  of  the  following  facts  : 
You  can  go  on  living  here,  just  as  you  are,  two  or 
three  weeks  longer,  dallying  with  opportunity.  By 
that  time,  unless  I  get  relief  and  help,  I  shall  reach 
the  end  of  my  resources,  and  creditors  will  take 
everything.  The  Muirs  cannot  help  me,  and  I 
don't  believe  they  would  in  any  event.  I  am  not 
on  good  terms  with  Henry  Muir.  If  the}-  go  down 
now  they  will  be  thoroughly  cleaned  out.  Arnault 
has  long  been  devoted  to  you,  and  you  could  have 
unbounded  influence  over  him  if  you  acted  in  the 
line  of  his  ruling  passion.  It  would  gratify  his 
pride  and  add  to  the  world's  good  opinion  of  him  if 
I  prospered  also.  In  plain  Knglish,  we  may  all  be 
in  a  tenement  house  in. a  month,  or  I  on  safe  ground 
and  you  the  affianced  wife  of  a  rich  man." 

Well,"  said  Stella,  coldly,  "  you  have  given  me 
facts  enough.  It's  a  pit}'  you  couldn't  have 
brought  me  something  better  from  Wall  Street  after 
all  these  years. 

'What  have  you  brought  to  me  during  these 
past  years,"  he  demanded,  sternly,  "but  constant 
requests  for  money,  and  the  necessity  for  incessant 
effort  to  meet  new  phases  of  extravagance  ?  You 
have  not  asked  what  was  kind,  merciful,  and  true, 
but  what  was  the  latest  style.  Few  clays  pass  but 
that  I  am  reminded  of  you  by  a  bill  for  some  frip- 


THE    Flf.IAL    MARTYR.  281 

peiy  or  other  ;  but  how  often  am  I  reminded  of  you 
by  acts  of  filial  thoughtfulness,  by  words  of  sympa 
thy  in  ni)r  hard  battle  of  life  when  I  am  present,  or 
by  Denial  letters  when  absent  ?  I  have  spent  three 
hot  days  in  the  city  seeking  chiefly  your  interest, 
and  a  more  mechanical,  perfunctory  thing  never  ex 
isted  than  your  kiss  of  greeting  to-night.  There 
was  as  much  feeling  in  it  as  in  the  quarter  that  I 
handed  to  the  stage-driver.  I  have  spent  thousands 
on  your  education,  but  you  don't  sing  for  me,  you 
don't  read  to  me,  you  never  think  of  soothing  my 
overtaxed  nerves  by  cheerful,  hopeful  talk.  Were 
I  a  steel  automaton,  supplying  your  wants,  I  should 
answer  just  as  well,  and  in  that  case  you  might  re 
member  the  laws  of  matter  and  apply  a  little  oil  oc 
casionally.  What  are  the  motives  of  your  life  but 
dress,  admiration,  excitement,  a  rapid  succession  of 
men  to  pass  under  your  baleful  fascination,  and 
then  to  pass  on  crippled  in  soul  for  having  known 
you  ?  Unless  you  can  give  Graydon  Muir  a  loving 
woman's  heart,  and  mean  to  cling  to  him  for  worse 
as  well  as  better,  you  will  commit  a  crime  before 
God  and  man  if  you  accept  him.  With  Arnault  it 
is  different.  In  mind  you  are  near  enough  of  kin  to 
marry.  As  long  as  you  complied  with  fashionable 
and  worldly  proprieties,  he  would  be  content  ;  but 
a  man  with  a  heart  and  soul  in  his  body  would  per 
ish  in  the  desert  of  a  home  that  your  selfishness 
w<  >uld  create. 

It's  awful    for  you   to  talk  to  me  in  this  way  !' 
she.  whined,  wincing  and  crying  under  his  arraign 
ment. 


282  .-/    YOL\\'G    GIRL'S   ll'OOJXG. 

It's  awful  that  I  have  to  speak  to  you  in  this 
way,  either  to  make  you  realize  what  deformities 
your  beauty  hides,  so  that  you  may  apply  the  rem 
edy,  or  else,  if  you  will  not,  to  promote  your  union 
with  a  man  content  to  take  for  a  wife  a  belle,  and 
not  a  woman. 

I  suppose  I  am  chiefly  to  blame,  though,  or  you 
would  be  different,"  lie  added,  with  a  dark,  intro 
spective  look.  '  I  was  proud  of  you  as  a  beautiful 
child,  and  tried  to  win  your  love  by  indulgence. 
Heaven  knows,  I  would  like  to  be  a  different  man, 
but  it's  all  a  breathless  hurry  after  bubbles  that 
vanish  when  grasped  !  "\Yell,  what  do  you  propose 
to  do  ?  You  see  that  you  can't  hesitate  much 
longer." 

I  will  decide  soon,"  she  answered,  sullenly. 
Although  her  conscience  echoed  his  words,  and  she 
felt  their  justice,  her  pride  prevailed,  and  she  per 
mitted  him  to  depart  without  another  word. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

"I'LL  SLK  now  YOU  BEHAVE." 

dawn  of  the  following  sacred  day  was 
-1-  bright,  beautiful,  and  serene,  bringing  to  the 
world  a  new  wealth  of  opportunity.  Miss  Wild- 
mere  began  its  hours  depressed  and  undecided. 
Her  conscience  and  better  angel  were  pleading  ;  she 
felt  vaguely  that  her  life  and  its  motives  were 
wrong,  and  was  uncomfortable  over  the  conscious 
ness.  Her  phase  of  character,  however,  was  one  of 
the  most  hopeless.  It  was  true  that  her  vanity  had 
grown  to  the  proportions  of  a  disease,  but  even  this 
might  be  overcome.  Her  father's  stern  words  had 
w«unded  it  terribly,  and  she  had  experienced 
tv  inges  of  self  disgust.  But  another  trait  had  be 
come  inwrought,  by  long  habit,  with  every  fibre  of 
her  soul,- — selfishness.  It  was  almost  impossible  to 
give  up  her  own  way  and  wishes.  Graydon  Muir 
pleased  her  fancy,  and  she  was  bent  on  marrying 
him.  Her  father's  assurance  that  she  would  bring 
him  disappointment,  not  happiness,  weighed  little. 
Too  many  men  had  told  her  that  she  was  essential 
to  their  happiness  to  permit  qualms  on  this  score. 
Her  conscience  did  shrink,  to  some  extent,  from  a 


284  A    YOUXG   GIRL'S   U'OOING. 


loveless,  business-like  marriage,  ^'"id  her  preference 
for  Gray  don  made  such  a  union  all  the  more  repug 
nant  ;  but  she  was  incapable  of  feeling  that  she 
would  do  him  a  wrong  by  giving  him  the  pretty 
jewelled  hand  for  which  so  many  had  asked.  In 
deed,  the  question  now  was,  Could  she  be  so  self- 
sacrificing  as  to  think  of  it  under  the  circumstances  ? 
If  that  stock  would  only  rise,  if  in  some  way  she 
could  be  assured  that  the  Muirs  would  be  sustained, 
and  so  pass  on  to  the  wealth  sure  to  flow  in  upon 
them  in  prosperous  times,  she  would  decide  the 
question  at  once,  whether  they  would  do  anything 
for  her  father  or  not.  He  could  scramble  on  in 
some  way,  as  he  had  done  in  the  past.  What  she 
desired  most  was  the  assurance  that  there  should  be 
no  long  and  doubtful  interregnum  of  poverty  and 
privation,  —  that  she  might  continue  to  be  a  queen 
in  society  during  the  period  of  youth  and  beauty. 

This  remained  the  chief  consideration  amid  the 
chaos  of  her  conflicting  feelings  and  interests,  for 
she  had  lived  this  life  so  long  that  she  could  imagine 
no  other  as  endurable.  She  had,  moreover,  the  per 
sistence  of  a  small  nature,  and  longed  to  humiliate 
the  Muir  pride,  and  to  spite  Madge  Alden,  who  she 
half  believed  cherished  more  than  a  sisterly  regard 
for  Graydon.  As  for  her  father,  she  did  little  more 
than  resent  his  words  and  the  humiliating  disqui 
etude  they  had  caused.  They  had  sorely  wounded 
her  vanity,  and  presented  a  painful  alternative. 

As  the  day  passed,  and  old  habits  of  mind  re 
sumed  sway,  she  began  to  concentrate  her  thoughts 
on  three  questions  :  Should  she  accept  Graydon 


"/'/,/.  SF.J-:  f/oir  YOLT  />'/<://.-/  /•/•:."  285 

and  take  her  chances  with  him  ?  Should  she  accept 
Mr.  Arnault,  with  his  wealth,  and  be  safe  ?  or  should 
she  hesitate  a  little  longer,  in  the  hope  that  she  could 
secure  Gray  don  and  wealth  also  ?  The  persistence 
of  a  will  that  had  always  had  its  own  way  decided 
finally  in  favor  of  the  last  course  of  action.  She 
would  not  give  Graydon  up  unless  she  must,  and 
not  until  she  must.  Accustomed  to  consult  self- 
interest,  she  believed  that  her  father  was  doing  the 
same,  that  he  was  favoring  Arnault  because  the 
latter  would  be  more  useful  to  him,  and  that  for 
this  reason  he  was  exaggerating  the  Muirs'  peril,  if 
not  inventing  it.  She  dismissed  his  words  about 
leaving  Wall  Street  with  scarcely  a  thought  ;  he 
always  talked  in  this  way  when  the  times  were  bad 
or  his  ventures  unlucky.  They  had  been  on  the 
eve  of  ruin  so  many  times,  that  the  cry  of  "  wolf  ' 
was  not  so  alarming  as  formerly. 

I  suppose  I  must  decide  before  this  week  is 
over,"  she  thought.  "Arnault  has  practically 
given  me  this  length  of  time,  and  I  shall  take  him 
at  his  word."  Therefore,  she  was  very  sweet  to 
him  during  the  morning  hours,  and  prepared  him 
to  submit  to  her  drive  with  Graydon  in  the  after 
noon. 

Arnault  felt  that  he  had  given  his  ultimatum,  and 
was  resolved  to  abide  by  it.  At  the  same  time  he 
knew  that  it  would  be  a  terrible  wrench  to  give  up 
the  girl.  The  very  difficult}-  of  winning  her  had 
stimulated  to  the  utmost  his  passion  for  attain 
ment.  She  was  the  best  that  existed  in  his  superfi 
cial  world,  and  fulfilled  his  ideal.  Her  delicate  yet 


286  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S  WOOING. 

somewhat     voluptuous    beauty    completely    intoxi 
cated  him. 

He  too  thought,  and  made  his  decision  during 
the  da}'.  If  he  won  her  at  all  it  must  be  speedily, 
and  it  should  be  done  by  promises  of  devotion  and 
wealth  if  possible,  and  by  breaking  the  Muh's  down 
if  this  should  become  necessary.  The  time  had 
come  for  decisive  action.  It  was  evident  that  her 
father  was  in  sore  straits  ;  the  man's  appearance 
confirmed  this  belief.  Arnault  was  almost  certain 
that  Henry  Muir  was  in  his  power.  He  would  not 
play  the  latter  card  unless  he  must,  but  he  would 
watch  so  vigilantly  as  to  be  promptly  aware  of  the 
necessity.  He  decided  to  spend  several  days  of  the 
present  week  in  the  mountains  and  so  keep  himself 
informed  how  the  game  went  here,  and  while  in  the 
city  he  would  not  only  be  observant,  but  would  also 
drop  a  few  words  to  weaken  Mr.  Muir's  credit. 
One  thing,  however,  was  settled, — the  problemati 
cal  issue  of  his  matrimonial  scheme  must  soon  be 
made  known,  and  he  rather  relished  its  congenial 
elements  of  speculative  uncertainty,  being  conscious 
that  so  much  depended  upon  his  skill  and  power  to 
pull  unseen  wires. 

Seeing  that  Arnault  was  at  Miss  "YVildmere's  side, 
Graydon  accompanied  his  relatives  to  church,  and 
soon  found  himself  looking  over  the  same  hymn- 
book  with  Madge.  The  choir  were  present,  and  she 
now  merely  delighted  Graydon  with  her  rich  alto  ; 
and  so  rich  and  true  was  it  that  he  often  felt  his 
nerves  thrilling  at  her  tones.  He  did  not  become 
absorbed  in  the  service  or  sermon,  but  thought  a 


"I'LL    SEE   HO  IV    YOU  BEHAVE"  287 

little  wonderingly  :  "  Here  is  a  faith  ever  finding- 
expression  all  over  the  world,  \vhilc  I  ignore  it. 
1  low  much  truth  does  it  represent?  It's  evi 
dently  a  reality  to  Madge,  although  she  makes  so 
little  parade  of  the  fact.  I  don't  believe  she  would 
do  anything  contrary  to  its  teachings  as  she  under 
stands  them.  We  men  may  think  what  we  please, 
but  we  have  confidence  in  a  woman  who  looks  as  she 
does  now.  She  is  not  in  the  least  inclined  to  devo 
tional  rhapsodies  or  to  subserviency  to  priestcraft, 
like  so  many  women  abroad.  She  merely  appears 
to  recognize  a  divine  power  as  she  accepts  nature, 
only  more  reverently  and  consciously.  I  suppose  I 
am  an  agnostic,  as  much  as  anything,  yet  I  should 
only  be  too  glad  to  have  Stella  at  my  side  with  such 
an  expression  on  her  face.  I  wonder  if  she  will  go 
with  me  this  afternoon.  I  will  submit  to  this  diplo 
macy  a  few  clays  longer,  and  shall  then  end  the 
matter.  There  is  an  increasing  revulsion  of  my 
whole  being  from  such  tactics  in  my  future  wife. 
Beyond  a  certain  point  she  shall  not  be  a  partner  in 
her  father's  gambling  operations,  and  I  would  have 
brought  the  affair  to  an  end  at  once,  were  it  not  for 
that  limp  little  woman,  his  wife,  and  her  child. 
But  I  can't  sacrifice  my  self-respect  and  Stella's 
character  for  them.  I  must  get  her  out  of  that 
atmosphere,  so  that  her  true  nature  may  develop. 
Sweet  Madge  Alden,  with  your  eyes  so  serious  and 
true,  and  again  so  full  of  mirth  and  spirit,  what  a 
treasure  you  will  prove  some  day  if  there  is  a  man 
worthy  of  you  !" 

In    his    deep    preoccupation,  he    forgot    his   intent 


2  88 


regard,  until  reminded  of  it  by  the  slow  deepening 
of  her  color,  which  so  enhanced  her  beauty  that  he 
could  not  at  once  withdraw  his  ga/e.  Suddenly  she 
turned  on  him  with  a  half-angry,  half-mirthful  flash 
in  her  eyes,  and  whispered,  "  Looking  at  girls  in 
church  is  not  good  form  ;  but,  if  you  will  do  it,  look 
at  some  other  girl." 

He  was  delighted  at  this  little  unexpected  prick, 
and  replied,  "St.  Paul  never  would  have  com 
plained  of  such  a  thorn."  Then  he  saw  Dr.  Som- 
mers  looking  ominously  at  him.  This  factotum  of 
the  chapel  sat  where  he  could  oversee  the  miscel 
laneous  little  assemblage,  and  his  eyes  instantly 
pounced  upon  any  offender.  Graydon  pushed  his 
insubordination  no  farther  than  making  an  irrever 
ent  face  at  the  doctor,  and  then  addressed  himself 
to  the  minister  during  the  remainder  of  the  hour. 

We'll  arrange  it  differently  next  Sunday,  Miss 
Alden,"  said  the  doctor,  as  Madge  passed  out; 
"  I'll  have  Mr.  Muir  sit  with  me." 

'  Try  it,"  whispered  Graydon,  "  and  if  you  don't 
fall  from  grace  before  meeting  is  over  I'll  give  you 
a  new  trout-pole.  Miss  Alden  can  manage  me  bet 
ter  than  you  can. " 

No  doubt,  no  doubt.  A  man  must  be  in  a  bad 
way  if  she  couldn't  make  a  saint  of  him  if  she  under 
took  it,"  was  the  doctor's  laughing  reply. 

Greatly  amused,  Graydon  repeated  the  words  to 
Madge.  "  She  won't  undertake  it  in  this  case," 
was  her  brusque  comment.  "  I  have  no  ambition 
to  enlighten  continental  heathen,  with  their  supe- 


"I'LL    SEE   HO  !  ['    }  '0  U  BE  II A  VE."  289 

rior   tolerance    of   a   faith   good   enough   for  women 
and  children. " 

My  charming  rose  has  not  only  a  thorn  but  a 
theological  stiletto  in  her  belt." 

It  is  evident  you  have  never  had  trouble,  Gray- 
el  on.  " 

'  Why  is  it  evident  ?" 

Because  you  are  content  with  the  surface-tide 
of  life." 

.And  you  are  not  ?" 

One  rarely  is  when  fearing  to  sink." 
"  What  has  that   to  do  with  faith  ?" 

Faith  can  sustain  ;   that's  all." 

And  your  faith  sustained  you  ?" 

What  else  was  there  to  sustain  when  day  after 
da)'  brought,  not  a  choice  of  pleasures,  but  the 
<[Uestion,  Shall  I  live  or  die?" 

1'oor  Madge  !  Dear  Madge  !  And  you  didn't 
let  me  know.  I  don't  suppose  I  could  have  helped 
you,  though. " 

'  No  ;   not  then.  " 

Madge,"  he  said,  earnestly,  "  won't  you  prom 
ise  me  one  thing  ?  If  you  ever  should  have  trouble 
of  any  kind  again,  won't  you  let  me  help  you,  or  at 
least  try  to  ?" 

"I'll   see   how  you   behave,"   she  said,    laughing. 
Besides,  it's   not   women's   place   to  make  trouble 
ior  men.      The  idea  !      Our  mission  is  to  soothe  and 
console  you  superior  beings." 

Women  do  make  a  power  of  trouble  for  men. 
Mother  Fve  began  wrong,  and  — " 


290  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   U'OOIXC. 

"  And  Adam  laid  all  his  misdeeds  on  her  weak 
shoulders. " 

'  The  upshot  of  all  this  talk  is,  I  suppose,  that 
your  shoulders  are  so  strong,  and  your  spirit  so 
high,  that  you  can  at  least  take  care  of  your  own 
troubles." 

I  hope  so,"  she  again  laughed,  "  and  be  ready 
also  to  give  you  a  lift.  When  you  successful  men 
do  get  a  tumble  in  life,  you  are  the  most  helpless  of 
mortals. " 

"Well,  well,  well,  to  think  that  I  am  talking  to 
little  Madge,  who  could  not  say  good- by  to  me 
without  fainting  aw  a}-  !" 

"  Good-by  meant  more  to  me  than  to  you.  You 
were  going  away  to  new  and  pleasant  activity.  I 
doubted  whether  I  should  see  you  again, — or  indeed 
any  one  long,"  she  added,  hastily. 

Don't  imagine  that  I  did  not  feel  awfully  that 
night,  dear  Madge.  Tears  do  not  come  into  my 
eyes  easily,  but  I  added  a  little  salt  water  to  the 
ocean  as  I  leaned  over  the  taffrail  and  saw  the  city 
that  contained  you  fade  from  view." 

Did  you  truly,  Graydon  ?"  she  asked,  turning 
away. 

I  did  indeed.  " 

In  her  averted  face  and  quickened  respiration  he 
thought  lie  saw  traces  of  more  than  passing  feeling, 
but  she  turned  on  him  in  sudden  gayety,  and  said  : 
'  Whenever  I  sec  the  ocean  I'll  remember  how  its 
tides  have  been  increased.  Graydon,  I've  a  secret 
to  tell  you,  which,  for  an  intense,  aesthetic,  and 
vaguely  devotional  woman,  is  a  most  humiliating 


"/'/./.    S /•:/•:    //Oil'    YOU   BEHAVE"  -'91 

confession  :    I'm  awfully  hungry.      When  will  dinner 
be  ready  ?" 

I  have  a  secret  to  tell  you  also,"  he  replied, 
with  a  half-vexed  flash  in  his  eyes  :  "  There  is  a  girl 
in  this  house  who  explains  herself  more  or  less 
every  day,  and  who  yet  remains  the  most  charming 
conundrum  that  ever  kept  a  man  awake  from  per 
plexity.  " 

Oh  dear  !"  cried  Madge,  "  is  Miss  Wildmere  so 
bad  as  that  ?  Poor,  pale  victim  of  insomnia  !  By 
the  way,  do  you  and  Mr.  Arnault  keep  a  ledger  ac 
count  of  the  time  you  receive  ?  or  do  you  roughly 
go  on  the  principle  of  'share  and  share  alike'?" 
and  with  eyes  flashing  back  laughter  at  his  redden 
ing  face,  she  ran  up  the  steps  and  disappeared. 

That  was  a  Parthian  arrow,"  he  muttered.  '  If 
we  go  smoothly  on  the  sharing  principle  at  present,  we 
shall  soon  go  roughly  enough,  or  cease  to  go  at  all"." 

Hut  the  lady  in  question  was  putting  forth  all  her 
resources,  which  were  not  slight  when  enlisted  in  her 
own  behalf,  to  keep  the  two  men  in  stain  quo  until 
more  time,  with  its  chances,  should  pass. 

Arnault  smiled  grimly  when  he  saw  her  departing 
wilh  (iraydon.  She  had  been  evasive,  but  very 
friendly,  during  the  day  thus  far,  and  after  what  he 
had  said  the  preceding  night  he  felt  that  he  was 
committed  to  her  moods  for  a  week  if  he  could  not 
bring  her  to  a  decision  before.  Seeing  Mr.  Wild- 
mere  walking  restlessly  up  and  down  the  pia/./a,  he 
joined  him,  and  offering  a  superb  cigar,  said.  "  Sup 
pose  we  go  out  to  the  lake  and  see  where  the  little- 
kid  was  so  nearly  drowned." 


292  ../    YOUNG   6YAY/.S-   ll'OOIXd. 

Soon  after  they  were  smoking  in  the  shade,  the 
thoughts  of  both  reverting  to  kindred  anxieties. 
Arnault  decided  to  make  one  move  before  the  final 
one.  Perhaps  only  this  would  be  required  ;  per 
haps  it  might  prepare  the  way  for  more  serious 
action.  The}'  talked  over  business.  Arnault,  per 
mitting  the  other  to  see  through  a  veiled  distinct 
ness  of  language  that  he  was  prospering,  remarked, 
''  By  the  way,  I  have  a  little  transaction  which  1 
\vishyou  would  carry  out  for  us,"  and  mentioned 
an  affair  of  ordinary  brokerage,  concluding,  in  off 
hand  tones,  "  from  what  you  said  some  days  since  I 
infer  that  you  may  find  a  little  money  handy  at 
present.  I  can  let  you  have  a  check  for  five  hun 
dred  or  a  thousand  just  as  well  as  not.  I  know  how 
dull  times  are  now,  and  you  will  soon  make  it  up 
by  commissions." 

The  hard-pressed  man  could  scarcely  disguise  the 
relief  which  these  words  brought.  He  began  a 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  kindness,  when 
Arnault  interrupted  him  by  saying,  "  Oh,  that's 
nothing, — mere  matter  of  business.  I  will  write 
you  a  check  to-night  for  a  thousand.  It's  only  an 
advance,  you  know,"  and  then  changed  the  subject. 
'Will  you  go  to  town  to-morrow?"  Mr.  Wild- 
mere  asked. 

No,  not  to-morrow.  I'll  run  down  Tuesday  or 
Wednesday.  In  spite  of  the  times  business  doesn't 
give  us  much  lee-way  this  summer,  but  I've  ar 
ranged  to  be  away  more  or  less  at  present."  Then 
he  added,  with  what  was  meant  to  be  a  frank,  dep 
recatory  laugh,  "  I  suppose  you  see  how  it  is.  It's 


•/'/.A    A/,/:    110 IV 

some  time  since  I  asked  permission  to  pay  my  ad 
dresses  to  your  daughter.  I  don't  think  I've  been 
neglectful  of  opportunities,  but  I  don't  get  on  as 
fast  as  I  would  like,  and  now  feel  that  if  I  would 
keep  any  chance  at  all  I  must  be  on  hand.  Muir  is 
a  formidable  rival. " 

'  You  know  that  you  have  my  consent  and  more, 
Mr.  Arnault." 

'It's  the  lady's  consent  that  I  must  obtain," 
was  the  reply.  '  Muir  is  a  fine  fellow,  and  I  can 
not  wonder  that  she  hesitates, — that  is,  if  she  does 
hesitate.  I  ma}*  be  wasting  my  time  here  and  add 
ing  to  the  bitterness  of  my  disappointment,  for  of 
course  it  must  become  greater  if  I  see  Miss  Wild- 
mere  every  .day  and  still  fail." 

There  was  a  covert  question  in  this  remark,  and 
after  a  moment  or  two  Mr.  Wildmere  said,  hesitat 
ingly  :  I  do  not  think  you  are  wasting  your  time. 
1  think  Stella  is  in  honest  doubt  as  to  her  choice. 
At  least,  that  is  my  impression.  You  know  that 
young  ladies  in  our  free  land  do  not  take  much 
counsel  of  parents,  and  Stella  has  ever  been  very 
independent  in  her  views.  When  once  she  makes 
up  her  mind  you  will  find  her  very  decided  and 
loyal.  (  )t  course  1  have  my  strong  preference  in 
this  case,  and  have  a  right  also  to  make  it  known  to 
her,  as  1  shall.  1  should  be  very  sorry  to  see  her 
engaged  to  a  man  whose  fortunes  are  dependent  on 
a  brother  in  such  financial  straits  as  Mr.  Muir  is  un 
doubtedly  in.  " 

Do  you  think  Henry  Muir  is  in  very  great  dan- 
;  er  '?" 


294  A     YOUNG    CJA'L'S   IV GOING. 

I  do  indeed. " 

Hum  !"  ejaculated  Arnault,  looking  serious. 
'  What  !   would  he  involve  you  ?" 
"  Oh  no,  a  mere  trifle  ;   but  then —      Well,  please 
make   some   inquiries  to-morrow,    and   I'll  see  you 
during  the  week. " 

I'll  do  anything  I  can  to  oblige  you,  Mr.  Ar 
nault.  I  wouldn't  like  my  questions,  however,  to 
hurt  Muir's  credit,  you  understand." 

Of  course  not,  nor  would  I  wish  this  ;  but  as 
one  of  our  brokers  you  can  pick  up  some  informa 
tion,  like  enough.  I  knew,  as  did  others,  that  Muir 
was  having  a  rather  hard  time  of  it,  but  if  there  is 
pressing  danger  I  may  have  to  take  some  action." 

In  that  case  of  course  you  can  command  me." 

I  only  wish  to  do  what  is  fair  and  considerate 
among  business  men.  We'll  lunch  together  when  I 
come  to  town,  and  perhaps  the  case  will  be  clearer 
then." 

During  his  drive  with  Miss  Wildmere,  Graydon 
simply  adhered  to  the  tactics  which  he  had  adopted, 
and  she  saw  that  he  was  waiting  until  the  Arnault 
phase  of  the  problem  should  be  eliminated.  When, 
however,  she  took  occasion  to  bewail  the  dismal 
prospects  of  her  "  poor  papa,"  and  to  open  the  way 
for  him  to  speak  naturally  of  his  own  and  his 
brother's  affairs,  he  was  gravely  silent.  She  didn't 
like  this,  for  it  tended  to  confirm  her  father's  belief 
that  they  were  in  trouble,  or  else  it  looked  like  sus 
picion  of  her  motive.  The  trait  of  reticence  which 
Graydon  at  times  shared  with  his  brother  was  not 
agreeable,  for  it  suggested  hidden  processes  of 


"/'/,/.    SEE    //Ollr    }'0r   BEHAVE."  295 

thought  which  might  develop  into  very  decisive 
action.  She  came  back  satisfied  that  Graydon  was 
still  thoroughly  "  in  hand,"  and  that  she  must  ob 
tain  information  in  some  other  way,  if  possible. 

There  was  sacred  music  in*  the  parlor  during  the 
evening,  but  neither  Miss  Wilclmere  nor  Madge 
would  sing  in  solo.  Graydon  good-naturedly  tried 
to  arrange  a  duet  between  the  two  girls.  The 

o  o 

former  declined  instantly,  yet  took  off  the  edge  of 
her  refusal  by  saying,  "  I  would  gladly  sing  for  you 
if  I  could,  but  do  not  care  to  permit  all  these  stran 
gers  to  institute  comparisons." 

Therefore,  the  guests  sung  in  chorus  as  usual,  a 
professional  playing  the  accompaniments.  There 
were  few,  however,  who  did  not  recognize  the 
strong,  sweet  alto  which  ran  through  each  melody 
like  a  minor  key.  Graydon's  acute  ear  for  music 
heard  little  else,  and  he  said  to  Madge  :  "  I  shall 
be  glad  when  this  hotel  life  is  over.  What  delicious 
evenings  I  shall  have  this  fall  !  By  the  way,  I'm 
going  to  have  your  piano  tuned  when  I  go  to  town." 

Perhaps. " 

Perhaps  what  ?  Perhaps  I  shall  remember 
about  the  tuner?  You'll  see." 

I  may  go  back  with  the  Waylands.  I'm  not  at 
all  sure  that  I  shall  not  spend  my  winter  on  the 
Pacific." 

Why,  Madge  !  With  your  health  you  could 
spend  it  in  Greenland." 

That's  what  I  may  do.  We  always  have  a 
lovely  green  land  in  that  climate." 

I    must    investigate    Santa   Barbara.      You  have 


296  A    YOUNG    GIRL  '.V    }\~ DOING. 

left  some  one  or  something  there  which  has  power 
ful  attractions." 

Yes,  memories  ;  as  well  as  skies  so  bright  that 
you  can't  help  smiling  back  at  them." 

I  supposed  you  were  going  to  enter  society  this 
fall  and  create  a  furore. " 

"  Oh,  bah  !"  Then  she  began  to  laugh,  and  said, 
"  A  certain  gentleman  in  this  house  thought  I  was 
so  bent  on  having  my  fling  in  society  that  I  didn't 
wish  to  be  embarrassed  by  even  a  little  fraternal 
counsel. 

A  certain  fellow  in  this  house  finds  himself  em 
barrassed  by  a  black-eyed  clairvoyant,  who  reads  his 
thoughts  as  if  they  were  sign-boards,  but  remains 
inscrutable  herself." 

Such  an  objectionable  and  inconvenient  creature 

should  certainly  be  banished  to  wilds  of  the  \Yest." 

"  As  one  of  the  Muir  family  I'll  never  consent." 

'  You'll    soon    be    engrossed    by    cares    of    your 

own,"  she  concluded,  laughing.      "  Good-night." 

Stay,"  said  Graydon,  eagerly  ;  "  one  so  gifted 
with  second-sight  should  be  able  to  read  the 
thoughts  of  others." 

Whose?"  Madge  asked,  demurely. 
'' "Whose    indeed?     As    if    you    did     not    know! 
Miss  Wildm'ere's. " 

'  What  !  Reveal  a  woman's  thoughts?  I  won't 
speak  to  you  again  to-night  ;"  and  she  left  him  with 
his  tranquillity  not  a  little  distuibed. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

G  O  S  S  A  M  E  R    T  H  R  E  A  D  S  . 

MR.  MUIR  \vas  to  depart  on  the  early  train  the 
following    morning,    and    was    pleased    when 
IMadge  opened  her  door  at  the  same  time  and  said, 
I'm   going   to  sec  that  you  have  a  good  breakfast 
and  a  good  send-off." 

She  chatted  merrily  with  him  during  the  meal, 
ignoring  his  somewhat  wistful  and  questioning 
glances.  '  When  shall  we  see  you  again,  Henry  ?" 
she  asked. 

I'Yiday  evening,   I  hope." 
Don't  work  and  worry  too  much." 
I  defy  fate  now.      You've  given  me  your  luck." 
Heaven  forbid  !      Well,  good-by." 
A    little    later    she    and    two    of   her   boys,  as   she 
called  them,  were   off   on    the  hills.      Mrs.  Muir  and 
Graydon    breakfasted    long   after,  and    the  latter  ob 
served    with    a    frown    that   Arnault    was  still  at  the 
\\ildmere    table,    with    all    the    serenity   of    one   t  n 
f ami  lie. 

Doctor,"  he  said,  a  little  later,  "how  much 
will  you  take-  the  money  to  be  given  to  your 
chapel— to  go  trouting  with  me  for  a  da}-  ?" 


298  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

"  A  good  round  sum,"  Dr.  Sommers  replied. 
"  All  right.      When  can  you  go  ?" 
'  Wednesday,    I    guess,   if    I   can    leave    my    pa 
tients.  " 

"  Oh,  come  now  ;  go  and  give  your  patients  a 
chance  to  get  well." 

'  Wait  till  I  catch  you  sick,  and  I'll  pay  you  up 
for  that." 

'  You'll  stand  a  better  chance  of  catching  trout." 
The  day  passed  much  as   usual,  only  Arnault  ap 
peared  in  the  ascendant. 

He  is  going  to  town  in  a  day  or  two,"  pleaded 
the  diplomate,  after  dinner. 

"  And  I'm  going  trouting,"  Graydon  replied. 
"  When?" 

Soon." 
"  Only  for  a  clay,  I  suppose." 

It  depends  on  my  luck.      You  will  get  on  better 
when  I'm  away." 

It's  cruel   for  you   to  speak   like  that,"  she  re 
plied,  her  eyes  moistening. 

"  I  suppose  it  is,"  was  his  rueful  reply  ;  "  but  I 
can  be  more  patient,  I  imagine,  back  in  the  moun 
tains  than  here." 

But  how  about  poor  me  ?" 

'  That  is  a  question  that  I  often  ask  myself,  Miss 
Wildmere,  but  you  alone  can  answer  it.  As  far  as 
I  am  able  to  judge,  you  can  meet  the  problem  in 
your  mind,  whatever  it  is,  as  well,  if  not  better,  in 
my  absence.  You  must  understand  me,  and  I  have 
promised  to  be  reasonably  patient." 

'  Very  well,  Mr.  Muir,"  she   replied,  in  apparent 


O'c'.Y.S'./J/AYv'    THREADS.  299 

sadness,   "  I    will   try   not    to   tax  your  patience  be 
yond  what  you  well  term  reason." 

Something  far  beyond  reason,  and — 1  may  add 
-  -pride  also,  permits  you  to  tax  it  all.  I  would 
rather  not  revert  to  this  topic  again.  It  is  embar 
rassing  to  us  both.  I  cannot  help  saying,  however, 
that  it  is  essential  to  my  happiness  that  the  present 
state  of  affairs  should  soon  cease." 

If  it  were  only  present   happiness  that  one  had 
to  consider — "  she  began,  and   then  hastened  away. 
Thus    she    played    upon    his    sympathy,  and    held 
him  by  the  generous  side  of  his  nature. 

Hut  he  determined  not  to  give  Arnault  the  pleas 
ure  of  seeing  him  wait  for  the  crumbs  of  time  that 
fell  from  his  table,  and  he  delighted  Madge,  having 
sought  her  out  on  the  pia/./.a,  by  remarking  :  "It  is 
so  cool  to-day  I  do  not  see  why  we  cannot  start  at 
once.  I  shall  not  find  the  time  too  long,  for  you 
can  talk  as  well  as  ride." 

She  made  good  his  words,  and  gave  wings  to  the 
hours.  Among  the  scenes  through  which  they 
passed,  she  reminded  him,  not  of  an  exotic  or  a 
stray  tropical  bird,  but  rather  of  the  ideal  mountain 
nymph  humanized,  developed  into  modern  life,  the 
strong  original  forces  of  nature  harmonized  into 
perfect  womanhood,  yet  unimpaired.  Her  smiles, 
her  piquant  words,  and,  above  all,  the  changing 
expression  of  her  lovely  eyes,  affected  him  subtilely, 
and  again  imparted  a  rising  exhilaration.  Her 
thoughts  came  not  like  the  emptying  of  a  cup,  but 
rippled  forth  like  a  sparkling  rill  from  some  deep 
am;  exhaustless  supply.  And  what  reservoir  is  more 


300  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

inexhaustible  than  the  love  of  a  heart  like  hers  ? — a 
love  born  as  naturally  and  unconsciously  as  life  it 
self, — that,  when  discovered,  changes  existence  by 
a  sudden  kaleidoscopic  turn,  compelling  all  within 
and  without  to  pass  at  once  into  new  arrangement 
and  combination,  —  that  inspires  heroic,  patient 
effort,  self-denial,  and  even  self-sacrifice. 

She  had  prepared  herself  for  this  opportunity  by 
years  of  training  and  thought,  but  his  presence 
brought  her  an  inspiration  beyond  all  that  she  had 
gained  from  books  or  study.  lie  was  the  magician 
who  unconsciously  had  the  power  to  waken  and 
kindle  her  whole  nature,  to  set  the  blood  flowing  in 
her  veins  like  wine,  and  to  arouse  a  rapidity  and 
versatility  of  thought  that  was  surprising  even  to 
herself.  With  the  pure  genius  of  love  she  threw 
about  his  mind  gossamer  threads,  drew  the  filaments 
together,  and  held  them  in  her  heart.  The  pulses 
of  life  grew  stronger  within  him,  his  fancy  kindled, 
the  lore  of  books  long  since  forgotten,  as  he  sup 
posed,  flashed  into  memory,  and  out  into  happy 
allusion  and  suggestion.  Still  his  wonder  increased 
that  her  knowledge  coincided  so  fully  with  his  own, 
and  that  their  lines  of  reading  had  been  so  closely 
parallel.  It  was  hard  for  him  to  find  a  terra  incog 
nita  of  thought  into  which  she  had  not  made  some 
slight  explorations.  In  his  own  natural  domains  she 
skilfully  appeared  to  know  enough  to  follow,  but 
not  to  lead  with  mortifying  superiority.  She  also 
had  her  own  preserves  of  thought  and  fancy,  of 
which  she  gave  him  tantalizing  glimpses,  then  let 
fall  the  screening  boughs  ;  and  he,  who  fain  would 


GOSSAMEK    THREADS.  301 

sec  more,  was  content  to  pass  on,  assured  that  an 
other  vista  would  soon  be  revealed.  It  was  the 
reserve  of  this  frank  girl  that  most  charmed  and  in 
cited  him,  the  feeling,  more  or  less  defined,  that 
while  she  appeared  to  manifest  herself  by  every 
word  and  smile,  something  richer  and  rarer  still  was 
hidden. 

"  No  one  will  ever  have  a  chance  to  understand 
her  full}-  but  the  man  she  loves,"  he  thought. 
'  To  him  she  would  give  the  cle\v  to  all  her  treas 
ures,  or  else  show  them  with  sweet  abandon,  and  it 
would  require  a  lifetime  for  the  task.  She  has  a 
beauty  and  a  character  that  would  never  pall,  for 
the  reason  that  she  draws  her  life  so  directly  from 
nature.  I  have  never  met  a  woman  that  affected 
me  as  she  does." 

]  Ie  sighed  again.  In  spite  of  the  loyalty  to  which 
he  believed  himself  fully  committed,  Stella  Wild- 
mere,  with  her  Wall  Street  complications,  her  varie 
gated  experience  as  to  adorers,  and  her  present 
questionable  diplomacy,  seemed  rather  faded  beside 
this  girl,  upon  whose  heart  the  dew  still  rested. 

l'"or  the  first  time  the  thought  passed  consciously 
through  his  mind,  "  Stella  has  never  made  me  so 
happy  as  I  have  been  the  last  few  hours.  More 
than  that,  she  never  gave  life  an  aspect  so  rich, 
sweet,  and  full  of  noble  possibility.  Madge  makes 
blatc,  shallow  cynicism  impossible  in  a  fellow." 

As  he  danced  with  Miss  Wildmerc  that  evening, 
or  sauntered  with  her  on  the  piazza  or  through  se 
cluded  paths,  the  same  tendency  to  comparisons 
tormented  him.  lie  could  not  make  himself  1> 


302  A    YOUNG  GIRL'S  WOOING. 

licve  that  Miss  Wildmcrc's  \vords  were  like  the  flow 
of  a  clear,  bubbling  spring,  pure  and  sweet.  There 
was  in  them  a  sediment,  the  product  of  a  life  which 
had  passed  through  channels  more  and  more  dis 
tasteful  to  contemplate. 

The  next  day  he  went  to  town  to  look  after  some 
business  matters,  and  returned  by  the  latest  train. 
To  his  surprise  he  found  Madge  absent,  and  was 
immediately  conscious  of  a  vague  sense  of  disap 
pointment. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 

MRS.     M  U  I  R  '  S    ACCOUNT. 

AFTER  a  light  supper  Graydon  went  in  search 
of  Stella,  but  she  was  nowhere  to  be  found, 
nor  had  the  warm  evening  lured  Mrs.  Wildmere 
from  her  room.  He  had  learned  that  Arnault  was 
still  at  the  house,  and  he  inferred,  from  the  surpass 
ing  beauty  of  the  moonlit  evening,  that  his  rival 
uould  not  let  such  witching  hours  pass  without  an 
effort  to  turn  them  to  account.  With  a  frown  he 
retreated  from  the  music,  dancing,  and  gayety  of  a 
full  house,  and  went  up  to  Mrs.  Muir's  room. 

That  lady  was  found  writing  to  her  husband,  but 
she  welcomed  Graydon,  and  began  volubly  :  "I'm 
very  glad  you  have  come  ;  I'm  so  full  and  overflow 
ing  about  Madge  that  I  had  to  write  to  Henry." 

It  certainly  does  seem  an  odd  proceeding  on 
her  part,  —  this  remaining  all  night  at  a  farmhouse 
among  strangers,"  was  his  discontented  reply. 

It  would  be  odd  in  any  one  but  Madge.  I  do 
not  think  there  are  many  girls  in  this  house  who 
\vouhl  be  guilty  of  such  eccentricities,  —certainly 
not  Miss  Wildmere,"  she  added,  with  a  rather 
malicious  twinkle  in  her  eyes.  '  If  I  were  a  man, 


304  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

I  wouldn't  stand  it.  I've  been  on  the  alert  some 
what  to-day,  for  I  don't  wish  to  see  you  made  a 
fool  of.  That  Mr.  Arnault  has  been  at  her  side  the 
livelong  time,  and  he's  out  driving  with  her  now." 

"  I  understand  all  about  that,"  said  Graydon,  im 
patiently  ;    "  tell  me  about  Madge." 

Perhaps  you  do,  and  perhaps  you  don't.  It's 
certainly  beyond  my  comprehension,"  continued 
Mrs.  Muir,  determined  to  free  her  mind.  "  If  she  is 
anything  to  you,  or  wishes  to  be,  her  performances 
are  as  unique  as  those  of  Madge,  although  in  a 
different  style.  We  Alden  girls  were  not  brought 
up  in  that  way.  Pardon  me  ;  I  know  it's  your 
affair,  but  you  are  my  brother,  and  have  been  a 
good  one,  too.  I  can't  wonder  that  Henry  dislikes 
her.  Well,  well,  I  see  you  are  getting  nettled,  and 
I  won't  say  anything  more,  but  tell  you  about 
Madge.  It  has  been  an  awfully  hot  day,  you  know, 
and  I  did  not  order  a  carriage  till  five.  Madge  was 
restless,  and  had  sighed  for  a  gallop  more  than  once, 
so  I  proposed  to  do  the  best  for  her  I  could.  As  we 
were  starting  for  our  drive  Dr.  Sommers  appeared, 
and  I  asked  him  to  go  with  us. 

I  will,'  he  said,  '  if  you  will  take  me  to  see  one 
of  my  patients, — one  that  will  make  Miss  Alden 
contented  till  she  has  some  imaginary  trouble  of  her 
own.  My  horse  is  nearly  used  up  from  the  long 
drive  I've  had  in  the  heat.' 

'  Oh,  do  take  me  to  see  some  one  in  trouble  !' 
exclaimed  Madge. 

'Yes/  replied  the  doctor,  laughing,  'that  will 
be  a  novelty.  To  see  you  young  ladies  dancing  and 


MRS.    MUIR'S  ACCOUNT.  305 

promenading,  one  would  think  you  had  never  heard 
of  trouble.' 

"After  a  lovely  drive  through  a  wild  valley  we 
came  to  a  little  gray  farmhouse,  innocent  of  paint 
since  the  memory  of  man.  The  mountain  rose 
steeply  behind  it  with  overhanging  rocks,  cropping 
out  through  the  forest  here  and  there.  An  orchard 
shaded  the  dwelling,  and  beyond  the  narrow  road 
way  in  front  brawled  a  trout-stream.  To  the  east 
ward  were  rough,  stony  fields,  that  sloped  up,  at 
what  seemed  an  angle  of  forty-five  degrees,  to  other 
wooded  mountains.  It  was  the  roughest,  wildest- 
looking  place  I  ever  saw.  How  strange  and  lonely 
it  must  look  now  in  the  moonlight,  with  not  another 
dwelling  in  sight  !" 

'  Too  lonely  for  Madge  to  be  there,"  exclaimed 
Graydon.  '  I  don't  like  it,  and  I  should  not  have 
expected  such  imprudence  from  you,  Mary." 

"  Oh,  Madge  is  safe  enough  !  Wait  till  you  knc  :: 
all.  Well,  the  farmer  and  his  wife  were  at  their 
early  supper  when  we  arrived.  I  went  in  with 
Madge  and  the  doctor,  for  I  wanted  to  see  how  such 
people  lived,  and  also  thought  I  could  do  something 
for  them.  I  hadn't  been  in  the  room  five  minutes, 
however,  before  I  gave  up  all  thought  of  offering 
assistance.  The  people  were  .plainly  and  even 
poorly  dressed.  The  man  was  in  his  shirt-sleeves, 
but  he  put  on  his  coat  immediately.  lie  had  a  kind 
of  natural,  quiet  dignity  and  a  subdued  manner--- 
the  result  of  his  trouble,  no  doubt.  We  were  in 
their  little  sitting-room  or  parlor,  but  the  door  into 
the  kitchen,  where  they  had  been  taking  their  meal, 


306  A    YOl'XG   GIRL'S  IVOOING. 

was  open.  The  room  \ve  were  in  was  very  plainly 
furnished,  but  perfectly  neat,  and  I  was  at  once 
struck  by  the  number  of  books  that  it  contained. 
Would  you  believe  it  ?  one  of  the  leading  maga 
zines  lay  on  the  table.  The  mother,  a  pale,  gaunt 
woman,  who  looked  utterly  worn  out,  went  with  the 
doctor  to  the  adjoining  sick-room,  and  the  hus 
band's  eyes  followed  them  anxiously. 

'  Your  place  seems  rather  lonely,'  I  said  to  him, 
'  but  you  evidently  know  how  to  find  society  in 
books.' 

'  Yes,'  he  answered,  '  I  s'pose  this  region  seems 
lonesome  to  you,  but  not  to  us  who  were  brought  up 
here.  It  all  depends  on  what  you're  used  to, 
especially  when  you're  a-growin'  up.  I'm  not 
much  of  a  reader  myself,  but  Till}-  was  '  ;  and  he 
heaved  a  great  sigh.  '  She  took  to  readin'  almost 
as  soon  as  to  walkin','  he  continued,  '  and  used  to 
read  aloud  to  us.  I  s'pose  I  soon  doxed  off,  but 
her  mother  took  it  all  in,  and  durin'  the  long  winter 
evenin's  they  kinder  roamed  ail  over  the  world  to 
gether.  I  suspicion  Till}'  had  more  books  than  was 
good  for  her,  but  she  was  our  only  child,  and  I 
couldn't  say  no  to  her.  She  edicated  herself  to  be 
a  teacher,  and  stood  high,  and  we  was  proud  of  her, 
sure  enough,  but  I'm  afeared  all  that  study  and 
readin'  wasn't  good  for  her';  and  then  came  an 
other  of  his  deep  sighs. 

Madge's  great  eyes  meanwhile  were  more  and 
more  full  of  trouble,  and  there  was  a  deal  of  pathos 
suggested  by  the  man's  simple  story.  Indeed,  I  felt 
my  own  throat  swelling  at  the  poor  man's  last  sign, 


J/AV    MUIR'S  ACCOUNT.  307 

it  was  so  deep  and  natural,  and  seemed  to  express  a 
great  sorrow,  for  which  there  were  no  words  in  his 
homely  vernacular. " 

'  What  selfish   egotists  we  are  over  our  picayune 
vexations  !"  Graydon  muttered. 

Well,  the  mother  and  the  doctor  now  appeared. 
The  latter  looked  grave  ;  and  when  lie  looks  grave 
things  are  serious  indeed. 

Ain't  she  no  better?  '  the  father  asked,  with 
entreat}-  in  his  tone. 

I  wish  she  was,'  said  the  doctor,  in  his  blunt 
v,  ay,  which  nevertheless  expressed  more  sympathy 
than  a  lot  of  fine  phrases.  Then  he  said  to  the 
mother  :  '  You're  all  worn  out,  and  yet  she'll  need 
close  watching  to-night.  Isn't  there  some  neigh- 

o  o  o 

bor-^ 

Oh,  please  let  me  stay  !'  began  Madge,  in  a 
low,  eager  tone,  speaking  for  the  first  time.  '  I'm 
strong,  and  I'll  follow  your  directions  in  everything. 
Do,  please.  I've  been  ill  myself,  and  think  I  know 
how  to  nurse. ' 

The  woman  hesitated,  and  looked  doubtfully, 
v.  onderingly,  at  the  doctor.  Madge  sprung  up, 
a:id  taking  the  mother's  hand,  continued  :  '  Indeed, 
madam,  you  do  look  worn  out  ;  you  will  be  ill 
ymrself.  For  your  daughter's  sake,  as  well  as 
mine,  let  me  stay. ' 

For  your  sake,  miss  •? 

Yes,  for  my  sake.  Why  should  I  not  bear  a 
little  of  this  heavy  burden  ?  It  will  do  me  good. 
1  )octor,  say  I  can  stay.  My  strength  should  not  be 
wasted  in  amusement  only.' 


3oS  A    YOUNG   Of  XL'S   WOOING. 

Well,'  he  replied,  '  if  Mrs.  Muir  consents, 
there's  no  one  I'd  trust  sooner.' 

Then  it's  settled,  Mary,'  she  said,  in  her  de 
cisive  way.  '  It's  perfectly  proper  for  me  to  stay 
under  the  protection  of  these  good  people.' 

'  But  you  haven't  had  your  supper,'  I  began. 
"  A  little  color  came  into  the  woman's  face  at  my 
foolish  speech,  and  she  said,  '  If  the  young  lady  will 
take  what  we  can  offer — 

'  Of  course  I  will,'  interrupted  Madge,  with  a 
smile  that  would  have  propitiated  a  dragon  ;  '  a  little 
bread  and  milk  would  suit  me  best.' 

'  She  shall  have  a  chicken  broiled  as  nice  as  she 
ever  tasted  at  the  hotel,'  said  the  man,  impulsively. 
Heaven   bless   your   kind    heart,  and    perhaps  you 
can  coax  Tilly  to  take  a  bit  !' 

'The  young  lady's  name  is  Miss  Alden,'  said 
the  doctor,  '  and  this  is  Mrs.  Muir,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wendall,  ladies  ;  I  should  have  introduced  you  be 
fore,  but  my  mind  was  on  my  patient.  Well,  well, 
well,  what  a  world  it  is  !  Some  very  good  streaks 
run  through  it,  though.' 

I'll  come  for  you  in  the  morning,'  I  said  to 
Madge,  who  had  thrown  off  her  hat,  looking  so  res 
olute  and  absorbed  in  her  purpose  that  I  knew  there 
was  nothing  more  to  be  said.  So  I  shook  hands 
with  the  poor  people,  and  came  away  with  the  doc 
tor." 

"  I'm    going   for   Madge   in   the   morning,"    said 
Graydon,   decisively. 

'I    thought   you    were    going    trouting   with   the 
doctor." 


3°9 

"  Not  till  I've  told    Madge  what   I   think  of  her," 
he  said,  gravely. 

'  I'm  sure  her  impulse  and  motives  were  good." 
'  They  were  more  than  good,— they  were  divine, 
and  just  like  Madge  Alden  as  she  now  is.  She 
keeps  one's  blood  tingling  with  surprises  ;  but  I've 
not  become  such  a  cynic  that  I  do  not  understand 
her.  When  you  come  to  think  of  it,  what  is  more 
natural  than  that  one  girl  with  her  superb  health 
should  lend  her  strength  to  another  who,  perhaps,  is 
dying  ;  but  you  may  well  ask,  Who  in  the  house 
would  think  of  doing  this  ?" 

Yes  ;  the  doctor  said  she  was  dying, — that  she 
o.r/ldn't  last  much  longer." 

Well,  I  never  had  a  sister,  but  I'm  just  as  proud 
of  Madge,  and  just  as  fond  of  her,  as  if  she  were  my 
own  flesh  and  blood.  She  shall  never  lack  what  a 
bn  'ther  can  do  for  her  while  1  live." 

I'm  glad  you  feel  so,"  said  Mrs.  Muir.  Then 
she  sighed,  and  thought,  "  A  plague  upon  him  ! 
Why  will  he  keep  following  up  the  other  white- 
faced  thing,  when  he  might  win  Madge  if  he  tried 
hard  enough.  It's  plain  that  she  don't  care  for  him 
now  except  as  she  used  to.  And  she  does  care  for 
him  just  as  she  did  before  she  went  away,  in  spite 
of  all  her  prudishncss  about  the  words  brother  and 
sister.  I'm  not  blind.  She  has  grown  so  pretty, 
however,  that  I  suppose  Gray  don  would  wish  to  kiss 
her  too  often.  She  is  just  as  fond  of  him  as  he  is 
of  her,  and  in  just  the  same  way  ;  but  if  I  had  his 
chance  I'd  soon  have  it  a  different  way  ;"  and  the 
good  lady  was  complacency  itself  over  her  penctra- 


310  A    YOL'XG 

tion,  as  she  bade  Graydon  good-night.  No  one 
could  sec  and  report  the  surface  of  affairs  more  ac 
curately  than  she. 

As  he   descended    to   the   hall,  Arnault   and  Miss 

Wilclmere    entered.      The    latter    hastened    forward 

and    gave    him    her    hand    most    cordially,    saying, 

'  Why,  Mr.  Muir,  I'm  ever  so  glad  to  see  you  ;  you 

have  been  away  an  age." 

"  A  clay,  Miss  Wildmere.  Your  appearance  indi 
cates  that  you  have  survived  admirably." 

The  moon  is  so  bright  that  we  could  drive  fast, 
and  I'm  always  happy  when  in  rapid  motion." 

'  You  have  had  the  advantage  of  me  then  ;  yet 
I've  been  in  rapid  motion  a  good  part  of  the  day  on 
express  trains." 

I  feared  you  were  not  going  to  return  to-clay, " 
she  said,  as  she  strolled  out  with  him  on  the  piazza. 

"  Feared  ?" 

'  Yes,  why  not  ?' ' 

"  It  strikes  me  that  I  might  ask,  Why  ?" 

"  Surely  you  would  not  have  me  lose  such  an 
evening  as  this,  Mr.  Muir?"  she  said,  a  little  re 
proachfully. 

"  I  would  have  you  follow  your  own  heart." 

'  I  shall  follow  it  as  soon  as  possible,"  she  re 
plied,  so  earnestly  that  he  was  disarmed,- — especially 
as  the  glance  which  accompanied  the  words  was  full 
of  soft  allurement  and  appeal.  Of  her  own  accord 
she  put  her  hand  on  his  arm,  and  spoke  in  low, 
contented  tones,  as  if  she  had  at  last  found  rest  and 
refuge.  The  moon  poured  around  her  a  flood  of 
radiance,  which  gave  her  an  ethereal  aspect.  Her 


3'  ' 

white  drapery  enhanced  a-nd  spiritualized  her  re 
markable  beauty,  making  her  appear  all  that  lover 
or  poet  could  ask.  His  own  words  grew  kinder  and 
gentler  ;  his  heart  went  out  to  her  as  never  before  ; 
she  seemed  so  fair,  delicate,  and  pure  in  that  witch 
ing  light  that  he  longed  to  rescue  her  at  once  from 
her  surroundings.  Why  should  he  not  ?  She  had 
never  manifested  a  more  gentle  and  yielding  mood, 
lie  directed  her  steps  from  the  piazza  to  a  some 
what  distant  summer-house,  and  her  reluctance  was 
a  shy  half  revolt,  which  only  emphasized  the  natural 
meaning  of  her  unspoken  consent. 

Mrs.  Muir  was  still  keeping  her  eyes  open,  and 
from  her  window  saw  them  pass  under  the  shadow 
of  the  trees. 

At  last  they  were  sitting  alone  in  the  summer 
night.  Graydon  felt  that  words  were  scarcely 
needed, — that  his  manner  had  spoken  unequivo 
cally,  and  that  hers  had  granted  all  ;  but  he  took 
her  hand  and  looked  earnestly  into  her  downcast 
face.  "  O  Stella-  '  he  began. 

A  twig  snapped  in  the  adjacent  grove.  She 
sprung  up.  '  Hush,  Graydon,"  she  whispered  ; 
"r.ot  yet.  Please  trust  me.  Oh,  what  am  I  think- 
in-'  of  to  be  out  so  late!— but  I  could  not  resist. 
Come  ;"  and  she  started  for  the  house. 

As  the>-  passed  in  at  the  door  he  said,  in  a  low, 
deep  tone,  "  You  cannot  put  me  off  much  longer, 
Stella." 

'No,  Graydon,"    she   whispered,    hurriedly,    and 
hastened  to  her  room. 

In  his    deep  feeling  he   had   not   heard    the   suspi- 


1,12  A     }'OrXC    CIA'L'S   M'OOIXG. 

cious  sound  in  the  grove,  and  Miss  Wildmere's  man 
ner  was  only  another  expression  of  the  strong  con 
straint  which  he  believed  to  be  imposed  upon  her 
by  her  father's  financial  peril.  lie  felt  bitterly  dis 
appointed,  however.  Although  irritated,  he  was 
yet  rendered  more  than  forgiving  by  the  apparent 
truth  that  she  had  almost  yielded  to  the  impulses 
of  her  heart,  in  spite  of  grave  considerations — and 
promises  perhaps — to  the  contrary. 

He  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  yet  felt  that  the 
present  condition  of  affairs  was  becoming  intoler 
able.  Almost  immediately  upon  his  return  from 
Europe  he  had  written  to  Mr.  YVildmere  for  per 
mission  to  pay  his  addresses,  and  had  received  a 
brief  and  courteous  reply.  The  thought  of  again 
appealing  to  the  father  occurred  to  him,  but  was 
speedily  dismissed  with  unconquerable  repugnance. 
The  very  fact  that  this  man  compelled  his  daughter 
to  take  such  a  course  made  Graydon  wish  never  to 
speak  to  him  again.  "No,"  he  muttered;  "the 
girl  must  yield  to  me,  and  cut  loose  from  all  her 
father's  shifty  ways  and  associations." 

The  night  was  so  beautiful,  and  his  thoughts  kept 
him  so  wakeful,  that  he  sat  in  a  shadow  and 
watched  the  moonlight  transfiguring  the  world  into 

o  o  o 

beauty.  Before  long  he  heard  a  step,  and  a  man 
came  from  that  end  of  the  pia/.za  which  was  nearest 
the  summer-house.  As  he  passed  in,  Graydon  saw 
that  it  was  Arnault.  The  quick  suspicion  came  into 
his  mind,  "  Could  he  have  been  watching?"  Then 
flashed  another  thought,"  Could  she  have  become 


J//v'5.    MUIK'S  ACCOUNT.  313 

aware  of  his  presence,  and  was  this  the  cause  of  her 
abrupt  flight  ?" 

The  latter  supposition  was  dismissed  indignantly 
and  at  once.  The  affair  was  taking  on  an  aspect, 
however,  so  intensely  disagreeable  that  he  resolved 
to  write  to  Miss  Wildmere  that  he  would  absent 
himself  until  Arnault  should  disappear  belo\v  the 
horizon.  lie  would  then  go  trouting  or  take  a  trip 
to  some  other  resort.  This  course  he  believed 
would  bring  her  to  a  decision,  and  after  their  recent 
interview  he  could  scarcely  doubt  its  nature. 

1'iefore  he  was  aware  of  it,  his  thoughts  returned 
to  Madge.  In  fancy  he  saw  the  gray  farmhouse  on 
the  lonely  mountain-side,  with  a  sweet  face  at  the 
window,  the  dark,  sympathetic  eyes  now  looking 
out  on  the  silent,  moonlit  landscape,  and  again  at 
the  thin,  white  face  of  a  dying  girl. 

Poor,  poor  child  !"  he  thought,  reverting  to  the 
patient.  '  Well,  for  once,  at  least,  she  has  had  a 
good  angel  watching  over  her.  I  would  like  to  see 
Madge's  face  framed  by  the  open  window  in  this 
witching  light.  Would  to  Heaven  that  Stella  was 
more  like  her  !  Yet  Stella  was  beautiful  as  a  dream 
to-night,  and  it  seemed  that  my  vision  of  happinrs? 
was  on  the  very  eve  of  fulfilment." 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 

MADGE'S  STORY. 

EARLY  in  the  beautiful  morning  of  the  follow 
ing  day  Graycron  \vas  out  securing  a  light  car 
riage,  for  he  reasoned  that  after  watching  all  night 
Madge  would  be  too  weary  to  enjoy  horse-back  ex 
ercise.  He  first  called  on  the  doctor,  and  obtained 
careful  directions  as  to  the  locality  of  Madge's  so 
journ.  '  The  best  I  can  do  is  to  go  with  you  as 
guide  this  afternoon  to  the  trout-stream,  and  then 
drive  back  by  moonlight,"  the  doctor  added. 

Within  an  hour  Graydon  reached  the  cottage,  and 
Madge  ran  out  to  welcome  him.  "  Now,  this  is  kind 
and  thoughtful  of  you,"  she  said,  and  there  was 
unmistakable  gladness  in  her  face. 

"  Dear  Madge,  you  have  had  a  long,  dismal 
nitfht,  I  fear.  I  can  see  it  from  the  lines  under 

O  " 

your  eyes." 

'  It  has  been  a  sad  night,  Graydon,  yet  I  am 
very  glad  I  came,  and  you  have  now  rewarded  me. 
The  poor  girl  is  sleeping,  and  I  can  slip  away." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  \Yendall  parted  from  her  feelingly 
and  gratefully.  Madge  promised  to  come  again 
soon. 


MADGE' S   STOK  Y.  315 

Iror  ;i  few  moments  they  drove  in  silence,  and 
then  Madge  sighed  :  "  How  young,  fresh,  and  full 
of  beautiful  life  the  world  seems  this  morning  ! 
The  contrast  with  that  poor,  suffering,  dying  girl  is 
too  groat.  Nature  often  appears  strangely  indiffer 
ent." 

1  am  not  indifferent,  Madge.  I  kept  a  sort  of 
watch  with  you  for  an  hour  or  two  last  night  in  the 
\vee,  sma'  hours,  and  tried  to  imagine  you  sitting  in 
l'ust  such  an  open  window  as  I  saw  there,  with  the 
moonlight  on  your  face  ;  and  I  thought  that  the 
poor  girl  had  one  good  angel  watching  over  her. 
You  know  I  am  a  man  of  the  world,  but  an  act  of 
ministry  like  this  touches  me  closely." 

Xo,  (iraydon  ;  not  a  good  angel,  but  a  very 
human  creature  was  the  watcher." 

'Tell  me  about  it,-  that  is,  continue  the  story 
from  the  point  where  Mary  left  off  ;"  and  he  ex 
plained  about  Mrs.  Muir's  account  of  the  previous 
e\  ening. 

Well,  you  know  what   a  wilful    creature  I  am  ?' 
she  began,  with  the  glimmer  of  a  smile. 

()h,  yes  ;    I've  learned    to   understand  that  feat 
me  of  your   royal    womanhood.      You    are  trying  to 
bi    ;i  woman,  Madge.      Well,  you  are  one,-    the  kind 
1    believe    in.      See    how    much    faith  1  have,-— 1  be 
lieve,  yet  don't  understand." 

No  jesting  or  compliments  this  morning,  please  ; 
I'm  too  heavy-hearted  for  them  now." 

Yen  ought  to  be  serene  and  happy  after  so  kind 
and  good  a  deed. 

No,"    she    said,    decisively  ;     "  that    sympathy 


316  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

must  be  superficial  which  can  pass  almost  immedi 
ately  into  self-complacency.  O  Gray  don,  it  is  all 
so  sad,  yet  not  sad  ;  so  passing  strange,  yet  as  nat 
ural  and  true  as  life  and  death  !  I  did  sit  for  hours 
just  as  you  imagined,  looking  out  on  the  great,  still 
mountains.  Never  did  they  seem  so  vast  and 
stable,  and  our  life  so  vapor-like,  as  when  I  heard 
that  poor  fluttering  breath  come  and  go  at  my  side. 
There  was  a  time  when  this  truth  grew  oppressive  ; 
but  later  on  that  feeble  life,  which  seemed  but  a 
breath,  came  to  mean  something  greater  and  more 
real  than  the  mountains  themselves.  But  I  am  an 
ticipating.  As  soon  as  Mary  departed  I  became  as 
imperious  as  I  dared  to  be.  I  saw  that  the  poor 
mother  had  reached  about  the  limit  of  her  endur 
ance,  and  I  arranged  the  lounge  in  the  sitting-room, 
so  that  she  could  lie  down  at  once,  saying  :  "I  am 
a  stranger,  and  young,  and  it's  not  natural  that  you 
should  be  willing  to  give  up  to  me  too  much,  nor  do 
I  wish  you  to  be  far  away  ;  yet  I  can  see  just  how 
sorely  in  need  of  rest  you  are.  You  must  finish 
your  supper,  give  me  your  directions,  and  then  lie 
down  and  get  every  bit  of  rest  you  can.  I  can 
easily  keep  awake,  and  promise  to  call  you  when 
ever  you  are  needed.' 

'  Nancy,'  her  husband  added,  '  Miss  Alden  is 
right.  I  see  by  the  way  she  takes  hold  that  she'll 
do  everything,  and  you're  jest  beat  out.'  So  be 
tween  us  we  had  our  way. 

'  Bless  you,  miss,'  said  the  man,  trying  to  smile 
in  a  way  that  almost  made  me  cry,  '  I'm  as  handy 
as  a  woman  'bout  a  kitchen  '  ;  and  he  soon  proved 


MADGE'S   STOKY.  317 

that  he  was  handier  than  I  could  have  been,  for  in  a 
fe\v  minutes  he  pulled  up  from  the  well  a  pail,  took 
out  a  dressed  chicken,  and  broiled  it  to  perfection. 
I  made  his  wife  eat  some  of  it,  and  saved  a  little  of 
the  breast  for  poor  Tilly,  as  they  call  her." 

Did  you  take  any  yourself?"  interrupted  Gray- 
don. 

Oh  yes,  indeed  !  I'm  one  of  those  prosaic  creat 
ures  whose  appetite  never  fails.  If  the  world  were 
coming  to  an  end  to-day  I  should  insist  on  having 
my  breakfast." 

Madge,"  said  Graydon,  ruefully,  "  I  might  as 
well  tell  you,  for  I'm  sure  to  be  found  out  :  I  once 
called  you  '  lackadaisical.' 

Oh,  I  knew  that  over  two  years  ago  !  What's 
more,  you  were  right." 

No  ;    I  was  not  right,"  he  answered,  positively. 

I  should  have  recognized  the  possibilities  of  your 

nature  then.     I  did  in  regard  to  your  beauty,  but  not 

those  higher  qualities  which   bid    fair   to  make   you 

in}*  patron  saint. 

Oh  hush,  Graydon.  Such  words  only  pain 
me.  I  don't  want  your  compliments,  and  if  any 
man  made  a  patron  saint  of  me  I  should  be  so  exas 
perated  that  I  should  probably  box  his  ears.  Let 
us  stick  to  what  is  simple,  natural,  and  true,  in  all 
our  talk.  " 

You  may  say  what  you  please,  Madge,  1  see  it 
more  clearly  every  da}',  and  reproach  myself  that  I 
did  not  understand  you.  I  was  content  to  amuse 
ami  pet  you,  and  you  naturally  did  not  think  me 
capable  of  doing  anything  more.  You  went  away 


3i8  A 

alone  to  make  as  brave  a  fight  as  was  ever  battled 
out  in  this  world,  and  I  had  no  part  in  helping  you. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  \Vayland  were  worth  a  wilderness  of 
superficial  society-fellows  like  me.  I  now  know  why 
you  did  not  care  to  correspond  with  me  while  mak 
ing  your  noble  effort." 

Truly,  Graydon,  your  memory  and  penetration 
are  phenomenal. " 

'  You  may  disclaim  out  of  kindness  now,  but  I 
know  I  am  right.  You  make  my  life  appear  shallow 
and  trivial.  What  have  I  done  in  the  last  two  years 
but  attend  carefully,  from  habit,  to  the  details  of 
business,  and  then  amuse  myself  ?  And  when  I 
wrote  I  merely  sought  to  amuse  you.  What  were 
my  flippant  letters  worth  to  one  who  was  in  ear 
nest  ?" 

"Graydon,"  said  Madge,  looking  into  his  eyes 
with  gentle  dignity,  "  you  may  do  yourself  injustice 
if  you  will,  but  you  shall  not  misjudge  me.  I  have 
acquired  a  little  of  the  art  of  taking  care  of  myself, 
and  you  are  doing  me  a  wrong  which  I  cannot  per 
mit.  I  remember  everything,  from  the  time  that 
your  kind  eyes  rested  on  the  pallid,  shrinking  child 
that  crept  down  to  the  dining-room  when  we  first 
met,  and  from  that  day  to  this  you  have  been  kind 
and  helpful  to  me.  I  said  that  I  regarded  you  as 
one  of  the  best  friends  I  had  in  the  world.  Do  you 
think  me  insincere  ?  Do  you  think  I  forget  how 
kind  you  were  when  society  would  not  have  tolerat 
ed  the  ghost  I  was  ?  I  am  not  one  who  forgets  and 
ignores  the  past,-— who  can  go  on  to  new  friends 
with  a  frigid  shoulder  for  old  ones.  Let  us  end 


MADGE'S   STORY. 

these  misunderstandings.  Before  the  year  is  out 
you  will  probably  be  engaged,  perhaps  married. 
Our  lives  will  be  widely  separated.  That  is  inevi 
table  from  the  nature  of  things.  But  distance  and 
absence  can  cause  no  such  separation  as  results  from 
misunderstanding.  If  we  should  not  meet  again  in 
twenty  years  I  should  be  the  same  loyal  friend. 
Now  I've  said  it,  and  don't  vex  me  again  by  speak 
ing  as  if  I  had  not  said  and  meant  it." 

I  can  scarcely  tell  whether  your  words  make 
me  more  glad  or  sad.  Each  feeling  is  deeper  than 
you  will  ever  believe.  You  certainly  give  me  the 
impression  that  if  I  marry  Stella  \Vildmere  our  lives 
will  be  separated. " 

'  You  don't  take  nature,  especially  woman-na 
ture,  into  consideration  at  all.  I  am  not  congenial 
to  Miss  Wildmere  ;  she  does  not  like  me.  It  is 
nothing  against  her,  but  some  people  are  antagonis 
tic.  This  is  especially  true  among  women,  and  in 
this  case  it  is  not  strange.  Our  experiences  have 
been  very  different.  She  has  ever  been  a  beautiful, 
brilliant  society-girl.  With  her  at  your  side  you 
would  always  be  an  object  of  envy  in  circles  con- 
g<  nial  to  you,  for  admiration  would  follow  her  as 
the  light  follows  clay.  In  the  past,  you  know, 
I  have  not  been  influenced  by  society  considera 
tions,  and  in  the  future  they  shall  be  very  second 
ary.  Therefore  we  of  necessity  are  unlike,  and 
could  never  be  much  company  for  each  other. 
There  is  never  any  use  in  trying  to  ignore  the  old 
law  of  '  like  unto  like.'  I  say  this  in  explanation  of 
what  YOU  know  is  true  all  the  world  over.  Kveii 


320  A    YOCXG    GIRL'S    IVOOING. 

the  close  ties  of  kindred  often  count  for  little  where 
tastes,  occupations,  and  habits  of  thought  are 
diverse.  All  this  is  nothing  against  your  perfect 
right  to  please  yourself.  In  this  land,  thank 
Heaven!  families  and  friends  cannot  yoke  people 
together  to  pull  forward  general  and  miscellaneous 
interests." 

'  You  speak  as  if  it  were  a  slight  thing  when  the 
woman  whom  a  man  marries  is  merely  accepted, 
tolerated,  by  his  kindred." 

I  have  not  said  that,  Graydon  ;  I  have  only  said 
again  what  I  said  before, — that  a  man  has  a  right  to 
please  himself.  The  truth  is  trite  enough  ;  why 
recur  to  it  ?" 

"  Gravitation  is  trite  enough,  but  it  often  has  an 
acute  bearing  on  one's  experience.  You  do  not 
like  Stella-" 

And  she  does  not  like  me." 

Very  well  ;  but  you  try  to  be  just  to  her,  and 
when  she  has  lived  awhile  in  different  associations 
you  will  find  her  greatly  changed.  I  think  you  can 
be  her  close  friend  in  the  future.  But  Henry  de 
tests  her,  and  he  is  so  quietly  and  obstinately  tena 
cious  in  his  views  that  the  fact  annoys  me  exceed 
ingly." 

Very  well  ;  you  can't  help  that.  You  will  live 
in  different  houses,  and  your  domestic  life  will  be 
quite  removed  from  business  interests." 

"  Oh,  confound  Henry  !  He  married  to  suit 
himself,  so  shall  I.  But,  Madge,  clear  Madge,  you 
will  try  to  love  her, — to  help  her  to  be  more  like 
you,  for  my  sake?" 


MADGE'S    STOK  Y.  3-M 

At  last  Madge's  laugh  rung  out  merrily.  '  For 
mercy's  sake,  Graydon,  don't  ask  me  to  be  a  mis 
sionary  to  your  wife,"  she  cried.  If  I  escaped 
\\ith  my  eyes  I  should  be  lucky.  You  must  think 
your  wife  perfection,  and  make  her  think  you  do. 
\Yoc  be  unto  you  if  you  introduce  a  female  friend 
and  suggest  that  she  should  be  imitated,  even  to 
the  arch  of  an  eyebrow.  Oh  no,  I  thank  you  ! 
That's  a  sphere  in  which  I  shouldn't  shine  at  all, 
and  I  wouldn't  dare  attempt  it  with  any  feminine 
saint  in  the  calendar.  O  Graydon,  what  a  dear  old 
goose  you  are  !"  and  she  laughed  till  the  tears  came 
into  her  eyes.  lie  joined  her  in  a  half  vexed  way, 
protesting  that  she  was  still  as  uncanny  as  a  ghost, 
although  she  had  lost  the  aspect  of  one. 

Suddenly  she  stopped,  and  tears  of  sorrow  filled 
her  eyes.  '  Here  I  am,  laughing  at  our  absurd 
talk,"  she  said,  "  when  I  have  just  left  the  side  of  a 
poor  girl,  no  older  than  myself,  who  is  ghostly  in 
deed  in  her  flickering  life.  Is  it  heartless  to  seem  to 
forget  so  soon  ?  ()  Graydon,  you  don't  know  what 
trouble  is!  You  have  only  had  vexations  thus  far. 
Let  me  tell  you  what  happened  last  night,  if  only 
to  make  you  grateful  for  your  strong,  prosperous 
life." 

Tell  me  anything  you  wish.  I  always  have 
better  thoughts  and  impulses  after  being  with 
y<  >u. " 

Please  don't  regard  me  as  egotistical,  or  offend 
me  by  thinking  I  am  trying  to  be  better  than  others. 
\\  hy  shouldn't  I  help  that  poor  girl  ?  We  often 
dance  all  night  for  fun  ;  why  can't  we  watch  occa 


$22  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   M'OOIXG. 

sionally  for  pity  ?  And  in  simple  truth  it  will  be  a 
long'  time  before  the  ache  for  that  poor  creature  will 
go  out  of  my  heart.  It  came  very  close  home, 
Gray  don — -very  close.  It  brought  to  mind  another 
girl,  who  was  once  scarcely  stronger  or  better  than 
Tilly  Wendall  is  to-day,  but  God  was  kind.  Tilly 
also  has  great  black  eyes,  and  they  do  look  so  large 
and  pathetic  in  the  wan  little  face  !  At  first  they 
did  not  notice  me  much.  I  was  only  another  of  the 
watchers  who  had  come  to  aid  her  mother.  It's  as 
tonishing  how  kind  these  plain  country  people  are 
to  one  another  in  trouble,  and  man}'  a  housewife  in 
this  region  has  toiled  all  day  and  then  sat  up  with 
the  poor  child  the  livelong  night. 

For  the  first  few  hours  I  could  do  little  more 
than  help  her  move  in  her  weak  restlessness,  and 
give  remedies  to  relieve  her  incessant  cough.  The 
poor  thing  seemed  neither  more  nor  less  than  a  vic 
tim  of  disease,  that  with  a  cruelty  almost  malign 
had  tortured  her.  I  can't  explain  how  this  awful  im 
pression  grew  upon  me.  It  was  as  if  viewless,  brutal 
hands  had  racked  the  emaciated  form  until  intelli 
gence  was  gone,  and  then,  not  content,  would  con 
tinue  their  vindictive  work  while  breath  remained  in 
the  body.  As  my  watch  was  prolonged  this  impres 
sion  grew  into  a  nightmare  of  horror.  The  still 
house,  the  silent,  white,  beautiful  world  without, 
and  that  frail  young  girl  tortured  hour  after  hour 
under  my  eyes  by  fever  and  a  convulsive,  incessant, 
remorseless  cough." 

She  buried   her   face   in   her  hands,  and  for  a  mo 
ment  or  two  her  voice  was  choked  with  sobs. 


"  O  Madge,"  cried  Graydon,  almost  fiercely, 
"  you  anger  me  !  I  would  strangle  a  man  \vho 
harmed  a  hair  of  such  a  child's  head.  IIo\v  can  I 
worship  a  God  who  sends  or  permits  such  a  thing? 
You  are  braver  than  I.  I  could  see  a  man  shot,  but 
I  couldn't  look  upon  \vhat  you  have  described. 
Yet  the  picture  brings  back  the  moment  when  we 
parted, --when  you  struggled  feebly  in  my  arms  with 
a  premonition  of  your  almost  mortal  weakness,  and 
then  sunk  back  white  and  deathlike.  If  you  had 
not  made  so  wise  and  brave  an  effort  you  might 
have  lingered  on  in  torture  like  this  poor  girl.  You 
stood  in  just  that  peril,  did  you  not  ?" 
1  suppose  I  did." 

"()h,  what  a  clod  I  was!  I  used  to  hear  you 
cough  night  after  night,  and  1  would  mutter,  '  Poor 
Madge:  !  '  and  go  to  sleep.  To  think  that  you 
might  have  suffered  as  this  girl  is  suffering  !  I 
never  realized  it  before,  yet  I  thought  I  did.  I 
can't  tell  you  how  my  whole  nature  rebels  at  it  all, 
and  pious  talk  about  resignation  in  the  presence  of 
such  scenes  fairly  makes  me  grind  my  teeth  ;"  and 
his  brow  blackened  like  night  in  his  mental  revolt, 
and  his  eyes  were  sternly  fixed  in  honest,  indignant 
arraignment  of  the  Power  he  did  not  scruple  to  defy, 
though  so  impotent  to  resist. 

M.idge  brushed  away  her  tears,  and  watched  him 
earn  -stly  for  a  moment.  In  that  confused  instant 
she  exulted  in  the  strong,  generous,  kindly  man 
hood  that  would  not  cringe  even  to  omnipotence 
when  apparently  cruel.  She  said,  gently,  "  Gray 
don,  you  are  condemning  God." 


324  A    YOTNC,    CfKL'S   irOOLVG. 

I  can't  help  it,"  he  began,  impetuously,  "  that 
is,  such  a  God — 

She  put  her  hand  over  his  mouth. 

I  like  you  better  for  your  words,"  she  contin 
ued,  "  but  please  don't  talk  so  any  more.  Let 
what  you  have  said  apply  to  '  such  a  God  ' —  I 
know  what  you  mean,  but  there  is  no  such  being  in 
existence.  Let  me  finish  my  story.  We  have  had 
too  many  interruptions,  and  this  secluded  road  has 
an  end.  I  won't  try  to  explain  my  faith.  What 
happened  may  make  it  clearer  to  you.  Well,  Tilly 
giadually  grew  quieter,  and  at  last  slept.  The  tired 
mother  was  sleeping  also,  and  I  sat  at  the  wndow 
just  as  you  imagined,  my  thoughts  sad  and  ques 
tioning,  to  say  the  least.  At  last  I  saw  that  Tilly 
was  awake,  and  looking  at  me  with  something  like 
interest  and  curiosity.  I  went  to  her  and  asked  if  I 
could  do  anything. 

"  She  said,  in  her  slow,  feeble  way,  '  I  thought  I 
knew  every  one  about  here,  but  I  don't  remember 
to  have  seen  you  before.' 

'  Then  I  told  her  who  I  was,  and  that  her  mother 
was  in  the  next  room. 

'  You  are  very  kind,'  she  said.  '  And  you  are 
from  the  hotel.  Isn't  it  a  little  strange  ?  ' 

'It  should  not  be,'  I  replied,  and  explained 
how  I  came  to  stay,  adding,  '  Don't  talk  any  more. 
You  are  not  strong  enough.' 

"  With  a  quiet  smile  that  astonished  me,  she  said, 

It  won't  make  any  difference,  Miss  Alden  ;   I  shall 

never  be  any  better,  or,  rather,  I  shall  soon  be  well. 

My  mind  seems  growing  clearer,  and  I'd  like  to  talk 


325 

a  little.      It  is  strange  to  see  a  young  girl  here.      Are 
you  strong  and  well  ?  ' 

Yes,  very  strong,  and  very  glad  to  help  your 
mother  take  care  of  you.  I  was  once  almost  as  ill 
as  you  are,  yet  I  got  well.  Cheer  up,  and  let  us 
nurse  you  back  to  health.' 

She  shook  her  head.  '  No,  that's  now  impossi 
ble.  You  come  and  cheer  poor  mother  and  father, 
Miss  Alden.  I  am  more  than  cheerful,  I  am  happy.' 

!  made  her  call  me  Madge,  and  said  :  '  Tell  me 
then  in  a  few  words  how  you  can  be  happy.  My 
heart  has  just  been  aching  for  you  ever  since  I 
came. ' 

Perhaps  she   saw  tears   in  my  eyes,  for  she  said, 
Sit  down  by  me.'      Then  she  took  my  hand,  leaned 
her  cheek   upon   it,  and   looked   at   me  with   such  a 
lovely  sympathy  in  her  beautiful  dark  eyes  ! 

Yes,'  she  said,  '  I  see  you  are  young  and 
strong,  and  you  probably  have  wealth  and  many 
friends  ;  still  I  think  I  am  better  off  than  you  are. 
I  am  almost  home,  and  you  may  have  long,  weary 
journeying  before  you  yet.  You  ask  me  why  I  am 
happy.  I'll  just  give  you  the  negative  reasons  : 
think  how  much  they  mean  to  me,—  "  And  there 
shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying, 
neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain."  All  these 
may  be  taken  from  my  life  any  hour.  Think  of 
what  will  be  added  to  it.  You  believe  all  this, 
Madge  ?  ' 
"  'Yes.' 

Then  you  must  know  why  I  am  happy,  and 
why  I  may  be  better  off  than  you  are.  It  will  be 


very  hard  for  father  and  mother,— there  \vill  be 
more  pain  for  them  here  in  consequence, — but  soon 
it  will  all  end  forever  ;  in  a  little  while  we  shall  be 
together  again.  So  you  know  nearly  all  about  poor 
little  me,'  she  said,  with  another  of  her  smiles, 
which  were  the  sweetest,  yet  most  unearthly  things 
I  ever  saw.  '  And  now  tell  me  about  yourself. 
I'm  not  able  to  talk  much  more  for  the  present. 
I'd  like  to  know  something  about  the  friend  who 
helped  me  through  the  last  few  steps  of  my  jour 
ney.  I  can  think  about  you  in  heaven,  you  know,' 
she  said,  with  the  sweetest  little  laugh.  '  Don't 
look  so  sad,  Madge.  They'll  tell  you  I'm  gone 
soon.  "Gone  where?"  ask  yourself,  and  never 
grieve  a  moment.' 

"  ()  Gray  don,  she  made  it  all  seem  so  real,  talk 
ing  there  alone  in  the  night  !  And  it  is  just  as  she 
says  or  it  isn't  anything.  When  you  said,  '  Such  a 
God,'  you  had  in  mind  a  theological  phantom,  and 
I  don't  wonder  you  felt  as  you  did  ;  but  this  girl 
believes  in  a  God  who  '  so  loved  the  world,' — who 
so  loved  her, — and  I  do  also.  Her  pain,  her 
thwarted  young  life,  I  don't  understand  any  more 
than  I  do  other  phases  of  evil,  but  I  can  give  my 
allegiance  to  One  who  came  to  take  away  the  evil 
of  the  world.  That's  about  all  the  religion  I  have, 
and  you  mustn't  ever  say  a  word  against  it. 

"  Well,  there  is  but  little  more  to  tell.  Tilly 
spoke  in  quiet,  broken  sentences  as  her  cough  per 
mitted,  and  I  told  her  a  little  about  myself  and  sung 
to  her  some  hymns  that  mother  sung  to  me  when  I 
was  a  child.  With  the  dawn  her  mother  came  in, 


MADGE'S   STORY.  327 

and    was    frightened    at    having   slept    so    long,    but 
Tilly  laughed  and  said  it  was  just  splendid. 

"  She  was  evidently  a  very  intelligent  girl,  and 
must  have  been  a  pretty  one,  too.  She  certainly  has 
read  a  great  deal,  and  has  taught  in  public  schools. 
There  didn't  seem  to  be  a  trace  of  morbidness  in 
her  mind  or  feeling.  She  was  simply  trying  to  make 
the  best  of  everything,  and  her  best  certainly  is  tJie 
best.  She  has  helped  and  comforted  me  more 
than  I  could  her. " 

Comforted  you,  Madge  ?" 

"Oh,  well,"  was  the  somewhat  confused  reply, 
"  I've  had  trouble,  and  shall  have  again.  Who  is 
without  it  long  in  this  world  ?" 

It's  almost  hard  to  see  how  serious  trouble  can 
reach  you  hereafter,  you  are  so  strong,  so  fortified. 
No,  Madge  ;  I'll  never  say  a  word  against  your  faith 
or  that  of  your  new  friend.  Would  to  Heaven  I  had 
it  myself  !  I  wouldn't  have  missed  this  talk  with 
you  for  the  world,  and  you  can't  know  how  I  appre 
ciate  tin:  friendship  which  has  led  you  to  speak  to 
me  frankly  of  what  is  so  sacred.  All  the  whirl  and 
pressure  of  coming  life  and  business  shall  never  blot 
from  my  memory  the  words  you  have  spoken  this 
morning  or  the  scenes  you  have  made  so  real." 

If  this  were  true,  how  infinitely  deeper  would 
have  been  his  impression  if  he  could  have  seen  the 
beautiful  girl,  now  smiling  into  his  eyes,  bowed  in 
agony  at  that  sick-bed,  while  she  acknowledged  with 
stifled  sobs  that  the  dying  girl  ivas  better  off, —far 
happier  than  she  who  had  to  face  almost  the  cer 
tainty  of  lifelong  disappointment.  Poor  Madge  had 


328  A    YOUNG   G'/A'L'S   tt'OOIXG. 

not  told  Gray  don  all  her  story.  She  would  have 
died  rather  than  have  her  secret  known  on  earth, 
but  she  had  not  feared  to  breathe  it  to  one  on  the 
threshold  of  heaven. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

D  I  S  P  A  S  SIGN  A  T  E     I,  O  V  E  R  S  . 

DURING  the  last  moments  of  their  drive 
Madge  and  Graydon  were  comparatively 
silent.  They  were  passing  dwellings,  meeting  stran 
gers,  and  they  could  not,  with  the  readiness  of 
natures  less  finely  organized,  descend  to  common 
places.  Each  had  abundant  food  for  thought,  while 
even  Graydon  now  believed  that  he  so  truly  under 
stood  Madge,  and  had  so  much  in  common  with 
her,  that  words  were  no  longer  needed  for  compan 
ionship. 

As  the}'  approached  the  pia/za,  they  saw  that 
Arnault  was  still  Miss  Wildmere's  devoted  attend 
ant.  His  presence  meant  hope  for  Madge,  and 
Graydon  was  slightly  surprised  at  his  own  indiffer 
ence,  lie  felt  that  the  girl  to  whom  he  regarded 
himself  as  bound  belonged  to  a  different  world,  a 
lower  plane  of  life  than  that  of  which  he  had  been 
given  a  glimpse.  The  best  elements  of  his  nature 
had  been  profoundly  moved,  and  brought  to  the 
surface,  and  he  found  them  alien  to  the  pair  on  the 
pia/./.a.  He  was  even  self-reproachful  th.it  he  saw 
with  so  little  resentment  Stella's  present  companion- 
shi  [>. 


330  .•/    YOUXG    GIRL'S   IVOOING. 

''While  I  don't  like  her  course  at  all,"  he 
thought,  '  I  must  believe  that  she  is  acting  from 

o  o 

the  most  self-sacrificing  motives.  What  troubles 
me  most  no\v  is  that  I  have  a  growing  sense  of  the 
narrowness  of  her  nature." 

He  had  never  come  from  her  presence  with  his 
manhood  aroused  to  its  depths.  It  was  her  beauty 
that  he  dwelt  upon  ;  her  piquant,  alluring  tones  and 
gestures.  Madge  was  not  an  ill-natured  critic  of  the 
girl  who  threatened  to  destroy  her  future,  but,  by 
being  simply  what  she  was,  she  made  the  other 
shrink  and  grow  common  by  contrast. 

To  Graydon  such  comparisons  were  odious  in 
deed,  and  he  would  not  willingly  permit  them  ;  but, 
in  conformity  to  mental  laws  and  the  force  of  cir 
cumstances,  they  would  present  themselves.  Each 
day  had  found  him  in  the  society  of  the  two  girls, 
and  even  an  hour  like  one  of  those  just  passed  com 
pelled  him  to  feel  the  superiority  of  Madge.  His 
best  hope  already  for  Stella  was  that  she  would 
change  when  surrounded  by  better  influences, — that 
her  faultless  taste  in  externals  would  eventually 
create  repugnance  to  modes  of  thought  and  action 
unsuitable  in  a  higher  plane  of  life.  He  did  not 
question  his  love  for  her,  but  he  felt  this  morning 
that  it  was  a  love  which  was  becoming  disenchanted 
early,  and  into  which  the  elements  of  patience  and 
tolerance  might  have  to  enter  largely.  Should  he 
marry  her  to-day  he  could  not,  as  Madge  had  said, 
and  with  the  first  glow  of  affection,  believe  her  per 
fect.  He  even  sighed  as  he  thought  of  the  future. 

His  heart  was  very  tender  toward   Madge,  but  it 


DISPASSIONATE   LOVERS.  331 

uas  \vith  an  affection  that  seemed  to  him  partly  fra 
ternal,  and  partly  a  regard  for  one  different,  better, 
purer  than  himself.  lie  proved  the  essential  fiive- 
ness,  the  capabilities  of  his  nature,  by  his  apprecia 
tion  of  some  of  her  higher  traits.  Her  ministry  to 
the  dying  girl  had  given  her  a  sacreclness  in  his 
eyes.  For  the  time  she  was  becoming  a  sort  of 
religion  to  him.  He  revealed  this  attitude  of  mind 
to  her  by  a  gentle  manner,  and  a  tone  of  respect 
and  consideration  in  the  least  thing  he  said. 

"Oh,"  thought  the  poor  girl,  "he  could  be  so 
much  to  me  and  I  to  him  !  His  touch,  even  in 
thought,  would  never  be  coarse  and  unfeeling  ;  and 
1  have  seen  again  and  again  that  I  can  inspire  him, 
move  him,  and  make  him  happy.  Why  must  a 
wretched  blunder  thwart  and  blight  two  lives?" 

Before  they  had  finished  their  breakfast  the  beau 
tiful  languor  of  sleep  was  again  in  his  companion's 
eyes,  and  lie  said  :  "  Dear  Madge,  promise  me  you 
\vill  take  a  long  rest.  Before  we  part  I  want  to  tell 
you  what  an  illumined  page  you  have  put  in  my 
memory  this  morning.  Some  of  the  shadows  in  the 
picture  are  very  dark,  but  there  is  also  a  light  in  it 
that  '  never  was  on  sea  or  land.'  When  you  wake  I 
shall  be  on  my  way  to  the  trout-stream  to  which 
Dr.  Sommers  will  guide  me  ;  and,  do  you  know?  I 
feel  as  if  my  memories  will  be  in  accord  with  the 
scene  of  my  camping-ground.  As  I  sit  in  my  tent- 
door  to-night  1  shall  think  overall  you  have  said 
and  described. 

1  ler  only  answer  was  a  smile,  that  for  some  reason 
quickened  his  pulse. 


332  A    YOrXG   GfATS  WOOING. 

Much  occurred  before  they  met  again. 
He   went   to   his   room,    wrote   some   letters,  and 
made   other   preparations.      Then,    feeling    that    he 
should  give  the  remaining  time  before  his  departure 
to   Miss   Wildmcre,  he  sought  her.      She  appeared 
to  be  waiting  for  him   on   the  piazza,  and  there  was 
reproach   in   her  tone,    as  she  said,  "  I  half   feared 
you  were  going  without  bidding  me  good-by. " 
Such  fears  were  scarcely  just  to  me." 
I  did  not  know  but  that  you  had  so  greatly  en 
joyed  your  morning  drive  as  to  go  away  in  a  fit  of 
absent-mindedness.      I  have  been  sitting  here  alone 
an  hour." 

'  I  could  not  know  that.  When  I  drove  up  I 
saw  that  I  should  be  dc  trap"  he  replied,  as  they 
sauntered  to  an  adjacent  grove. 

:<  Now,  Gray  don,  you  know  that  is  never  true,  so 
far  as  I  am  concerned." 

'  The  trouble  is,  Miss  Wildmere,  others  are  con 
cerned  in  such  a  way  that  the  only  resource  left  me 
is  to  keep  my  distance." 

"  Mr.  Arnault  has  returned  to  the  city,"  she  said, 
with  what  appeared  a  great  sigh  of  relief.  "  I  am 
perfectly  free  now." 

'  Till  Mr.  Arnault  returns." 
I  cannot  help  his  return." 

"  Oh  no.  I  do  not  question  his  right  to  come 
back,  or  even  to  buy  this  hotel  and  turn  us  all 
out." 

:<  Please  don't  talk  about  him  any  more.  I'm 
doing  the  best  I  can." 

I   believe  you   think  so,  but   I   cannot   think  it 


DISPASSIONATE    LOVERS.  333 

will  prove  the  best  for  any  one.  It  is  not  what  I 
expected  or  even  imagined.  You  are  acting  from  a 
mistaken  sense  of  duty,  and  I  am  more  sorry  every 
day  that  you  can  commit  such  an  error.  Look  at  it 
in  its  true  light,  Stella.  I  cannot  believe  you  are 
deceiving  me  :  you  must  be  leading  Mr.  Arnault  to 
entertain  a  false  hope." 

"  Graydon,  I  have  refused  Mr.  Arnault,  and  he 
will  take  no  refusal." 

'  You  can  refuse  him  in  such  a  way  that  he  must 
take  it  at  once  and  forever." 

'  You    don't   know—  "  she   began,    tears    coming 
into  her  eyes. 

"  No  ;  you  have  only  led  me  to  surmise  a  great 
deal  by  implication." 

What  would  become  of  mamma  and  my  little 
sister  if  papa  should  fail  utterly  ?"  and  tears  came 
faster.  No  one  could  be  more  pathetic  than  Miss 
Wildmere  when  she  chose. 

Can  you  not  trust  me  for  them  as  well  as  for 
yourself  ?' ' 

"  ()  Mr.  Muir,  I  know  you  mean  most  generously 
and  kindly,  but  papa  is  so  anxious  and  fearful  !  He 
tries  to  keep  up  before  others,  but  I  know  how  he 
feels,  and  it's  terrible,  lie  is  past  middle  age,  and 
business  success  means  very  much  to  him.  How 
can  I  do  anything  to  harm  him  ?  I  know  so  little 
about  business  and  its  perils,  while  papa  thinks 
there  ma}-  be  terrible  dangers  ahead  for  every  one. 
You  might  have  the  good-will  to  help  us  and  yet 
soon  be  scarce!}'  able  to  help  yourself.  I  have  been 
made  to  feel  that  the  best  I  could  do  through  these 


334  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   U'OOIXG. 

troublous  times  was  to  try  to  aid  papa  as  far  as  pos 
sible,  and  then  I  shouldn't  have  anything  with  which 
to  reproach  myself." 

Graydon  was  perplexed.  Apparently  she  was 
doing  wrong  in  the  most  self-sacrificing  spirit,  and 
believed  that  doing  right,  which  would  end  her 
abnegation,  was  wrong  and  selfish. 

While  he  hesitated,  she  resumed  :  "  You  see, 
Graydon,  papa  has  the  same  as  said  that  Mr. 
Arnault  was  tiding  him  over  until  he  could  realize 
on  securities  now  of  little  value.  Of  course  there 
has  been  no  compromising  understanding  in  words, 
—  do  not  think  us  capable  of  that.  It  would  cut  me 
to  the  heart  to  have  you  misjudge  me  or  condemn 
me.  I  will  give  you  the  highest  proof  I  can  of  my 
—my — esteem  by  being  frank  on  a  delicate  subject, 
so  that  you  can  see  how  I  am  placed.  I  don't  think 
many  young  ladies  would  do  as  much.  Of  course 
what  I  say  is  sacred  between  us.  Mr.  Arnault 
offered  himself  long  since,  and  I  promptly  declined 
the  honor,  but  he  laughingly  told  me  he  would  take 
no  refusal,  and  chatted  through  the  rest  of  the 
evening  as  pleasantly  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 
I  have  virtually  refused  him  several  times  since,  but 
he  persists,  declaring  that  he  will  remain  an  agree 
able  friend  until  I  change  my  mind.  Surely,  I  am 
not  misleading  him.  I  do  like  him  as  a  friend,  and 
he  knows  that  I  have  for  him  no  other  regard,  and 
never  had.  Before  you  came  he  had  begun  to  help 
papa,  and  to  throw  business  in  his  way,  and  just 
now  he  is  rendering  him  very  great  service.  He 
may  do  this  in  the  hope  of  influencing  me,  but  he 


DISPASSIONATE   I.OTERS.  335 

gives  his  aid  without  conditions.  Yet  I  know  him 
well  enough  to  be  sure  that  he  would  withdraw  this 
business  help  should  I  now  harshly  dismiss  him  or 
engage  myself  to  another.  While  I  do  show  him 
that  I  appreciate  his  kindness,  I  do  nothing  to  indi 
cate  that  my  feeling  is  changed.  He  must  know 
that  I  regard  him  in  the  same  light  as  in  the  past. 
If  he  is  content  with  this,  I  have  asked  myself  why 
I  should  be  precipitate, — why  alienate  him  now  in 
the  very  crisis  of  papa's  affairs.  Of  course  if  1  had 
only  myself  to  think  of--  I've  been  foolish  enough 
to  think  that  I  might  help  papa  and  still  be  happy  in 
tin:  end.  Am  I  so  very  naughty,  Graydon  ?" 

I  le  was  at  a  loss  how  to  answer  her,  but  felt  that 
he  must  at  once  disabuse  her  mind  of  one  expecta 
tion. 

"  I  admit,  Stella,"  he  said,  thoughtfully,  "that 
you  are  peculiarly  placed,  and  I  thank  you  for  mak 
ing  clearer  what  I  had  partially  surmised.  While  I 
admire  and  respect  the  motive,  I  must  still  repeat 
that  I  regret  beyond  all  words  such  action  in  one 
who  is  so  much  to  me.  It  is  right  also  that'  I 
should  define  my  own  position  more  clearly.  I  will 
invtate  your  generous  frankness.  You  know  how 
greatly  I  admired  you  before  I  first  went  abroad  ; 
an  1  while  I  felt  that  there  was  little  chance  for  me, 
you  being  sought  by  so  many,  I  did  not  give  up 
hope.  This  hope  was  strengthened  by  my  visit  last 
summer,  and  when  I  returned  and  found  you  free  a 
few  weeks  since  I  determined  to  win  you  if  I  could. 
You  know  I  would  have  spoken  before  had  you 
permitted.  I  have  for  some  little  time  felt  myself 


336  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

irrevocably  bound  by  what  has  passed  between  us. 
I  also  believed  that  you  would  eventually  give  me  a 
full  explanation  in  regard  to  Air.  Arnault,  and  that 
his  attentions  would  cease.  As  to  my  not  being- 
able  to  take  care  of  you,  that  is  absurd.  I  am  not 
wealthy  yet,  but  fe\v  young  men  in  the  city  have 
better  prospects.  My  brother's  business  is  large 
and  profitable,  and  I  am  soon  to  share  in  it.  I 
could  not,  from  the  nature  of  things,  enter  into 
business  relations  with  your  father, — I  should  not 
be  at  the  head  of  the  firm, — but  neither  you  nor 
yours  should  ever  want.  As  to  my  brother,  he  is 
in  no  financial  danger  whatever.  He  has  a  large 
fortune,  and  is  conservatism  itself.  If  you  are 
placed  in  an  embarrassing  position,  I  am  also. 
Arnault's  manner  is  not  that  of  a  friend.  Others 
misjudge  you  and  me  also.  It  looks  to  the  people 
here,  and  to  my  own  family,  as  if  you  were  playing 
with  us  both. 

"  Moreover,"  he  continued,  after  a  moment's 
thought,  "  you  are  drifting  into  a  false  relation  with 
Arnault,  although  you  may  not  be  conscious  of  it. 
Before  these  troubles  began  you  simply  tolerated 
his  attentions  good-naturedly,  and  without  any 
special  motive.  No\v  you  have  a  definite  motive 
and  purpose,  and — pardon  me,  Stella — they  are 
misleading  him.  He  would  not  continue  his  atten 
tions  an  hour,  did  he  believe  they  were  utterly 
hopeless.  To  Arnault  and  all  others  you  appear 
undecided  between  him  and  myself.  Such  an  ex 
periment  as  you  are  trying  cannot  work  well.  If  he 
has  any  other  power  beyond  that  of  your  maidenly 


DISPASSIONATE    LOVER*.  337 

preference,  he  \vill  not  hesitate  to  increase  it,  and 
may  make  your  father  more  utterly  dependent  upon 
him  while  appearing  helpful." 

'Yes;     I     have    thought     of    that,"     she     said, 
musingly. 

There  seems  to  me  but  one  straightforward, 
high-toned  thing  for  you  to  do,  Stella,  and  that  is 
to  follow  your  heart." 

lie  was  almost  frightened  at  himself  that  he  spoke 
with  so  little  eagerness  and  longing.  His  words 
seemed  but  the  honorable  and  logical  sequence  of 
what  had  gone  before.  For  some  reason  this  girl  in 
tin:  broad  light  of  day  did  not  appear  to  be  the 
same  as  when  she  had  fascinated  him  in  the  witch 
ing  moonlight  the  evening  before.  It  was  not  that 
her  beauty  had  gone  with  the  glamour  of  the  night, 
but  he  had  been  breathing  a  different  and  a  purer 
atmosphere.  Madge  had  been  revealing  what  to 
him  seemed  ideal  womanhood. 

In  regard  to  Stella  his  illusion  had  so  far  passed 
that  he  thought,  consciously,  "  Even  at  her  best 
she  is  presenting  \Yildmere  traits  ;  her  very  self- 
sacrifice  takes  on  a  Wildmere  form,  and  there  is  a 
flavor  of  Wall  Street  in  it  all." 

Hut  he  still  believed  that  he  loved  her,  and  that, 
if  she  was  equal  to  such  great  though  mistaken  self- 
sacrifice  for  her  father,  she  would,  under  his  influ 
ence,  throw  off  certain  imperfections  and  gain  r, 
better  tone. 

That  such  thoughts  were  passing  through  his 
mind  was  a  bad  omen  for  the  continuance  of  Miss 
Wildmere's  power,  and  yet  the  opportunity  of  her 


33^  A    YOUXG    GIRL'S   W'OOfXG. 

life  was  still  hers.  She  had  simply  to  put  her  hand 
into  his  with  a  look  of  trust,  and  abide  by  the  act, 
to  secure  a  loyalty  that  would  always  have  tried  to 
promote  her  best  interests.  That  she  was  strongly 
tempted  to  do  this  was  proved  by  her  manner,  in 
spite  of  the  fact  that  she  had  promised  Arnault  not 
to  decide  against  him  before  Saturday. 

It  was  a  moment  of  indecision.  ]  [is  strong  assur 
ance  that  he  was  abundantly  able  to  take  care  of 
her,  that  Mr.  Aluir  was  wealth}'  and  free  from  finan 
cial  embarrassment,  almost  turned  the  scale.  She 
felt  that  both  Arnault  and  her  father  were  deceiv 
ing  her  for  their  own  purposes,  and  she  had  little 
hesitation  in  acting  for  herself  without  regard  to 
them.  Graydon's  suggestion  that  her  action  was 
not  high-toned,  although  delicately  made,  touched 
her  pride  to  the  quick,  and  she  was  compelled  to 
feel  during  this  interview,  as  never  before,  the 
superiority  of  the  man  who  addressed  her.  She 
longed  to  force  Henry  Muir  to  acknowledge  the 
daughter  of  the  man  he  shunned  in  business  ;  and 
not  the  least  among  her  incentives  was  the  thought 
of  triumphing  over  Madge  as  a  possible  rival. 

"  At  any  rate,"  she  had  thought,  "  if  I  become 
engaged  to  Graydon  he  will  have  to  be  very  much 

O       O  >  J 

less  fraternal.  As  to  his  not  aiding  papa,"  she 
concluded,  "  I  can't  help  that.  When  once  married 
I  could  make  him  do  all  he  could  afford,  and  papa 
and  mamma  have  no  right  to  expect  anything 
more." 

To  the  potency  of  all  these  considerations  was 
added  a  sentiment  for  the  man  who  awaited  her 


DISPASSIONATE   I.Ol'EKS.  339 

answer,  and  who  chafed  inwardly  that  it  was  so  long 
in  coming. 

Trul}r,"  he  thought,  "  this  is  a  strange  wooing. 
Henry  himself  could  not  more  carefully  weigh  the 
pros  and  cons  than  does  she  apparently,  nor  am  I  in 
feverish  suspense.  I  had  hoped  for  something 
different  in  my  mating." 

A  glimmering  perception  that  her  manner  was  not 
calculated  to  inspire  a  lover  at  last  dawned  on  Miss 
Wildmere,  and  with  it  came  a  faltering  purpose  to 
decide  in  favor  of  Graytlon  at  once  ;  but  as  she 
turned  toward  him,  to  speak  with  what  was  meant 
to  be  a  bewildering  smile  of  joy,  a  messenger  from 
the  office  said,  "  A  telegram,  miss." 

Graydon  frowned,  and  then  laughed  outright. 
She  stopped  in  the  very  act  of  tearing  open  the 
envelope,  and  looked  at  him  inquiringly. 

"  Oh,  nothing,"  he  said,  lightly.  '  The  oppor 
tuneness  of  that  fellow's  coming  was  phenomenal. 
I  low  much  longer  am  I  to  wait  for  your  decision, 
Stella  ?  Were  the  world  in  our  secret,  I  should  be 
known  as  St.  Graydon  the  patient." 

She  flushed,  but  adopted  his  apparently  light 
mood  as  the  least  embarrassing.  '  Aly  memory  is 
good,  and  I  shall  know  how  to  reward  you,"  she 
smilingly  replied.  "  Please  let  me  satisfy  my  mind 
about  papa,  for  I'm  sure  it's  from  him." 

"Oh,  satisfy  your  mind  fully  about  everything, 
Miss  Wildmere. " 

She  tore  open  the  envelope  with  a  strong  gesture 
of  impatience,  and  read,  with  a  suddenly  paling 
cheek,  "  Unless  you  choose  the  immediate  certainty 


340  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOIXG. 

of  absolute   loss,    wait    till    I    sec   you.      Will  come 
soon.      Wildmere. " 

She  crushed  the  telegram  in  her  hand,  and  turned 
away  with  a  half-tragic  air  which  at  the  moment 
struck  Graydon  as  a  little  "stagy,"  and  then  he 
condemned  himself  for  the  thought.  As  she  did 
not  speak  for  a  moment,  he  said,  sympathetically, 
'  Your  tidings  are  bad  ?" 

She  tried  to  think,  but  was  confused,  and  felt 
that  she  was  in  a  cruel  dilemma.  Could  Graydon 
be  deceiving  her  ?  or  was  he  as  ignorant  as  he 
seemed  of  his  brother's  peril  ?  Was  her  father  in 
league  with  Arnault  after  all  ?  and  were  they  unit 
ing  to  separate  her  from  Graydon  ?  She  could  not 
tell.  She  must  gain  more  time.  She  would  see 
her  father,  charge  him  with  duplicity,  and  wring 
the  truth  from  him. 

When  she  turned  to  Graydon  her  eyes  were  full 
of  tears  again,  and  she  faltered  :  "  You  may  de 
spise  me  if  you  will,  but  my  father  has  made  an 
appeal  to  me,  and  is  coining  to  see  me.  I  must 
hear  what  he  has  to  say.  I  must  tell  him  that  I 
can't  endure — that  I  can't  go  on  this  way  any 
longer.  I  would  gladly  help  him,  save  him,  but 
after  what  you  have  said  it's  impossible  to —  Oh, 
was  ever  a  girl  placed  in  such  wretched  straits  ! 
Graydon,  can  you  be  patient  a  little  longer?" 

'  There  is  nothing  else  for  me  to  do,  Stella.  I 
only  stipulate  that  your  decision  be  made  speedily, 
and  that  Arnault  be  given  to  understand  what  my 
rights  are.  I  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  enforcing 
them." 


DISPA  SSIONA  TE   L  O  VEX S.  34 1 

I  shall  decide  speedily.  It  is  not  right  that  I 
should  be  placed  in  such  a  torturing,  humiliating 
position." 

Now  I   agree  with  you   perfectly.      When   does 
your  father  come  ?" 
'He  says  '  soon. ' 

'  Very  well  ;   I  will  return  on  Saturday." 
"  I    wish    you    wouldn't   go   away   now,"    she  en 
treated. 

'  I  think  it  is  best,"  replied  Graydon,  decisively, 
yet  kindly.  "  I  have  said  all  that  is  possible  to  an 
honorable  man.  By  remaining  I  am  placed  in  an 
anomalous  position  which  my  self-respect  does  not 
permit  any  longer." 

1  suppose,"  she  sighed,  "  that  I  should  not  ask 
too  much.  Well,  so  be  it,  then." 

They  walked  back  to  the  house  in  silence.  At 
the  door  of  a  side  entrance  she  turned  to  him,  her 
face  flushing  at  the  admission,  and  said,  hastily,  "  I 
waited  a  long  time  for  you,  Graydon,"  and  then 
fled  to  her  room. 

Oh,  confound  it  !"  he  muttered,  as  he  walked 
away.  '  What  a  muddle  it  all  is  !  I  ought  to  feel 
likr  strangling  myself  for  permitting  this  doubting, 
cynical  spirit  to  creep  over  me.  Curse  it  all  !  her 
words  and  manner  haven't  the  ring  of  absolute 
truth.  It  seems  as  if  1  heard  a  voice  in  the  very 
depths  of  my  soul,  saving,  '  Beware  !  '  Am  I  be 
coming  an  imbecile  ?  I  doubted  and  misjudged 
Madge.  Thank  Heaven  that  is  past  forever! 
New  I  am  doubting  and  misjudging  the  woman  I 
have  asked  to  be  my  wife.  I  must  be  misjudging 


34-'  ••!  yor.vc;  GIRI:S 

her,- — the  alternative  is  horrible.  I  can't  escape 
one  conviction,  however.  It  is  turning  out  just  as 
I  expected  and  told  her  it  would.  Arnault's  aid  to 
her  father  has  been  delusive,  and  \Yildinerc  is 
deeper  in  the  mire  than  ever.  This  is  a  fine  ending 
of  my  social  career  !  The  girl  of  my  choice  puts 
me  off  until  she  can  end  this  Wall  Street  business 
more  satisfactorily.  She  must  wait  and  hear  her 
father's  reasons  for  further  diplomacy  before  she 
can  answer  me.  If  Henry  knew  all  this —  But 
Madge,  crystal  Madge,  won't  repeat  what  I  said.  I 
must  risk  the  loss  of  her  society  also.  lias  her 
keen  insight  into  character  enabled  her  to  detect 
these  Wildmere  traits,  and"  is  this  the  cause  of  her 
antipathy?  How  simply  she  said,  '  I  couldn't  do  ' 
• — what  Stella  has  accomplished  with  so  much  skill 
that  the  gossips  in  the  house  are  in  -honest  doubt  as 
to  her  choice,  or  whether,  indeed,  she  proposes  to 
accept  either  Arnault  or  myself.  Well,  well,  I'll 
wait  till  she  has  had  this  interview  with  her  father, 
and  then  she  must  either  decide  for  me  and  against 
such  tactics  forever,  or  else  she  can  wear  my  scalp 
in  her  belt  with  those  of  the  other  unfortunates." 

In  an  hour  he  was  on  the  road  with  Dr.  Sommers 
to  a  wild  and  secluded  valley. 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

T  II  K     K  X  K  M  I  K  S  '     PLANS. 

IT  has  been  shown  that  Arnault  believed  the 
decisive  period  to  have  come  that  would  see  the 
success  or  failure  of  his  "  operation"  in  the  Cats- 
kills.  Keen,  penetrating,  he  had  comprehended  the 
situation  clearly.  He  knew  that  Stella  wished  to 
accept  Graydon,  and  was  held  in  check  by  financial 
considerations  only.  lie  had  seen  her  manner  dur 
ing  the  preceding  moonlight  evening,  and  with  in 
tense  anger  had  observed  from  a  neighboring  grove 
the  episode  in  the  summer-house.  The  twig  had 
not  casually  parted  under  his  step,  but  had  been 
snapped  between  his  fingers.  Stella's  quick  alarm 
and  flight  had  revealed  the  continuance  of  his  hold 
upon  her  fears,  if  not  her  heart.  I'Yom  that  moment 
he  dismissed  all  indecision.  In  bitterness  he  real- 
i/rd  that  his  prolonged  stay  in  the  mountains  had 
not  advanced  his  interests.  He  had  hoped  to  win 
the  girl  by  devotion,  keeping  financial  pressure  in 
the  background  ;  she  had  been  onlv  suave,  agree 
able,  and  elusive.  He  had  told  her  that  he  ex 
pected  her  decision  by  Saturd.iy  evening  ;  she  had 
merely  bowed  in  a  non-committal  way.  Meanwhile 
it  was  evident  that  if  the  Muirs  kept  up,  apparently 


344  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

retaining  the  power  to  pass  unscathed  to  better 
times,  she  would  prolong  her  hesitancy,  and  in  the 
end  accept  Graydon.  He  determined,  therefore,  to 
see  her  first,  then  her  father,  and  to  call  in  his  loan 
immediately. 

While  Graydon  and  Madge  were  returning  next 
morning  from  the  lonely  farmhouse  Arnault  was 
breakfasting  at  the  hotel.  He  appeared  in  excel 
lent  spirits.  Miss  Wildmere's  alert  observation 
could  not  detect  from  his  manner  his  knowledge  of 
the  fact  that  she  had  been  on  the  point  of  yielding 
to  Graydon  the  evening  before.  lie  was  full  of 
gallant  courtesy  toward  her,  and  every  glance  and 
word  expressed  admiration.  This  was  always  the 
breath  of  life  to  her,  and  while  it  had  ceased  to  give 
positive  pleasure,  its  absence  was  like  uncomfortable 
weather. 

After  the  meal  was  over  he  led  her  to  the  same 
summer-house  in  which  Graydon  had  almost  spoken 
words  endowed  with  a  lover's  warmth  and  eager 
ness. 

Stella,"    he  said,  "  I   shall   go   to   town   on  the 
ten-o'clock  train." 

I  supposed  you  had  concluded  to  remain  all  the 
week,"  she  replied. 

:<  No  ;  very  important  interests  call  me  to  the 
city,  much  to  my  regret.  You  only  bowed  when  I 
requested  that  I  should  receive  a  final  answer  before 
the  close  of  this  week.  I  shall  return  Saturday. 
Will  you  end  my  suspense  within  this  time  ?" 

She  was  silent. 

''  Will    you    make    me    another    promise,   then  ? 


THE   ENEMIES'    PLAN'S.  345 

Vill  you  remain  free  this  week  ?  If  you  will  not 
ind  yourself  to  me,  will  you  promise  that  no  one 
Ise  shall  have  a  claim  upon  you  until  the  time 
pecified  expires  ?" 

After  some  hesitation  she  said,  '  Yes,  I  will 
romise  that. " 

'  Please  do  so,  and   you  will   not  regret  it,"  was 
is  quiet  response. 

'  I    am  not  so  eager  to  be  bound  that    I    cannot 
romise  so  much. " 

"  Very  well  then,  I  am  content  for  the  present  ;" 
nd  he  changed  the  subject. 

They  soon  returned  to  the  piazza,  and  Arnault 
mployed  his  utmost  effort  to  be  agreeable  during 
ic  brief  time  remaining. 

Earlier  in  the  week  he  had  written  Mr.  Wildmere 

letter,  in  consequence  of  which  the  momentous 
:legram  had  restrained  the  daughter  at  the  critical 
loment  already  mentioned. 

When  Madge  came  down  to  a  late  dinner  she  saw 
lat  Arnault  had  disappeared  from  the  Wildmere 
ible,  and  that  the  belle  was  already  a  victim  of 
inni  in  the  absence  of  both  gentlemen.  During 
le  afternoon  Mrs.  Muir  was  eager  to  gossip  a  little 
ver  the  aspect  of  affairs,  but  soon  found  that 
ladge  would  do  scarcely  more  than  listen. 

I  don't  understand  that  Miss  Wildmere  at  all," 
lid  the  elder  sister  ;  "  late  last  evening  she  went 
)  yonder  summer-house,  hanging  on  Graydon's 
:m  as  if  they  were  engaged  or  married,  and  now 
e's  gone  to  be  absent  several  days.  This  morning 
le  \\  as  there  again  with  Arnault,  and  he  wasn't 


talking  about  the  weather,  either.  Now  lie's  gone 
also.  Before  Gray  don  went  she  had  another  long 
interview  with  him  while  you  were  asleep.  Good 
gracious  !  what  is  she  aiming  at  ?  Young  men  were 
not  so  patient  in  my  day  or  in  our  village  ;  and 
quiet  as  Henry  appears,  he  wouldn't  play  second 
string  to  a  bow  as  Graydon  does.  When  Miss 
\Yildniere  first  came  I  thought  it  was  about  settled, 
and  I  tried  to  be  polite  to  one  \\hom  I  thought  we 
should  soon  have  to  receive.  Now  it's  a  sort  of 
neck-and-neck  race  between  the  two  men.  If  Gray 
don  wins,  how  shall  you  treat  Miss  Wildmere  ?" 

Politely  for  Graydon 's  sake,  of  course." 

Whose  chajices  are  best  ?" 
"  Gray  don's." 

Do  you  think  she  loves  him  ?" 
'  Yes,  as  far  as  she  can  love  any  one." 
'  Why,  Madge,  what  do  you  mean  ?" 

She  could  not  love  as  we  should  ;  she  doesn't 
know  what  the  word  means.  If  she  did  she 
wouldn't  hesitate." 

'  You    think   Henry's  opinion   of   her   is   correct, 
then  ?" 

"  I   think   he's   right   usually.      Miss  Wildmere  is 
devoted  to  one  being, — herself." 

Why,  Madge,  it  would  be  dreadful  to  have 
Graydon  marry  such  a  girl  !" 

"  Graydon   is  not   Harry   Mnir.      He  attained  his 
majority  some  years  since." 

He  certainly  is  old  enough  to  show  more  spirit. 
Well,  I  don't  understand  her  tactics,  but  such  belles, 
T  suppose,  are  a  law  unto  themselves." 


TJIE   EXEM1ES'    rf.AA'S.  347 

"  Don't  let  us  gossip  about  her  any  more.  If 
Graydon  becomes  engaged  there  is  only  one  thing 
for  us  to  do.  Miss  Wildmcrc  has  made  herself  dis 
agreeable  to  me  in  many  little  nameless  way,  and 
\ve  never  could  be  friends,  but  I  shall  not  give 
(iraydon  cause  for  just  complaint.  If  he  asks  me  to 
see  her  with  his  eyes,  I  shall  laugh  at  him  and  de 
cline.  " 

They  shall  never  live  with  us,"  said  Mrs.  Muir, 
emphatically.  '  I  know  I'm  not  a  brilliant  and 
accomplished  woman,  but  I  have  always  made 
home  a  place  of  rest  and  comfort  for  Henry,  and  I 
intend  it  always  shall  be  just  such  a  refuge.  He  is 
nervous  and  uncomfortable  whenever  that  girl 
comes  near  him.  Some  people  can't  get  on  to 
gether  at  all.  1  am  so  glad  that  he  likes  you  !  He 
says  you  are  one  that  a  man  could  depend  upon  in 
all  sorts  of  weather.  " 

We'll  see  ;  but  I  like  Santa  Barbara  weather, 
which  is  usually  serene." 

O  Madge,  you'll   not  go  there  again  ?" 

Yes,  1  shall  probably  make  it  my  home.  I 
should  never  keep  my  health  in  the  Hast,  and  1 
should  dread  a  winter  in  New  York  more  than  1 
can  tell  you. 

Well,"  said  Mrs.  Muir,  discontentedly,  "  I  sup 
pose  you  will  have  your  own  way  in  everything 
hereafter  ;  but  I  think  you  might  at  least  try  to 
spend  a  winter  with  us." 

If  there  were  cause  I  would,  Mary,  but  you  are 
happy  in  your  home,  and  I  am  not  greatly  needed. 
In  my  Western  home  I  feel  1  can  get  the  most  out 


34s  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOIN'G. 

of  life,  just  as  you  arc  getting  the  most  out  of 
yours.  I  should  suffer  from  my  old  troubles  in 
New  York."  This  statement  was  true  enough  to 
both  ladies,  although  a  very  prosaic  impression  was 
conveyed  to  Mrs.  Muir's  mind. 

To  Madge,  Graydon's  absence  contained  a  strong 
element  of  hope.  He  would  not  have  gone  away  if 
all  had  been  settled  between  him  and  Miss  Wild- 
mere,  and,  as  Mary  had  said,  there  appeared 
stronger  evidence  of  uncertainty  now  than  at  first. 
Graydon  had  seen  Miss  YVildmere,  and  she  evi 
dently  had  not  finally  dismissed  Arnault. 

Madge  indulged  in  no  idle  brooding,  however, 
and  by  activity  every  hour  in  the  day,  passed  the 
time  bravely.  One  of  her  boy  admirers  had  a  horse, 
and  became  her  escort  on  long  excursions  ;  and  with 
Mrs.  Muir  she  went  to  see  Tilly  Wendall  again  on 
Friday  morning.  The  poor  girl  was  very  weak  in 
deed,  and  could  do  little  more  than  smile  her  wel 
come.  Madge  promised  to  spend  Sunday  night 
with  her.  She  would  have  come  before,  but  Gray 
don  had  told  her  that  he  might  return  Friday  even- 
.ing,  and  as  a  storm  was  threatening  she  thought  it 
probable  that  he  would  hasten  back  to  avoid  it. 
She  believed  that  there  was  still  hope  for  her,  and 
determined  that  she  should  never  have  cause  in  the 
future  to  reproach  herself  with  lost  opportunities. 
There  was  no  imperative  call  of  duty  to  her  sick 
friend,  for  Mrs.  Wendall  said  that  two  or  three 
neighbors  had  lately  offered  their  services. 

Mrs.  Muir  was  gladdened  on  her  return  to  the 
hotel  by  a  telegram  from  her  husband,  saying  that 


THF-:    EX  EMI  EX'    PLANS.  349 

he  \vould  arrive  on  the  late  train  and  spend  Satur 
day  with  her.  She  and  Madge  sat  down  to  dinner 
in  a  cheerful  mood,  which  evidently  was  not  shared 
by  Miss  \Vildmere. 

That  brilliant  young  woman,  although  she  made 
herself  the  centre  of  all  things  as  far  as  possible, 
was  a  victim  of  poverty  when  thrown  upon  her  own 
resources.  Madge  detected  her  in  suppressed 
yawns,  and  had  noted  that  she  had  apparently  done 
little  else  than  read  novels  since  parting  with  the 
two  men  who  were  metaphorically  at  her  feet. 
Since  the  telegram  she  had  not  received  a  word 
from  her  father  or  any  one,  and  was  inwardly 
chafing  at  the  dead  calm  that  had  followed  her  ex 
citing  experiences.  She  did  not  misinterpret  the 
deceptive  peace,  however,  and  knew  that  on  the 
morrow  she  must  decide  what  even  she  regarded  as 
the  most  momentous  question  of  life.  Persons  un 
der  the  dominion  of  pure  selfishness  escape  many 
perplexities,  however,  and  she  was  prone  to  take 
short  cuts  to  desired  ends.  Ready  to  practise 
deceit  herself,  she  became  more  strongly  impressed 
that  her  father  and  Arnault  were  misleading  her. 
Therefore  she  impatiently  awaited  the  former's  ap 
pearance,  that  she  might  tax  him  with  duplicity. 
Unless  he  had  something  stronger  than  vague  sur- 

C7  O  O 

mises  to  offer,  she  intended  on  the  morrow  to 
promise  Graydon  Muir  to  be  his  wife. 

As  has  been  seen,  Wildmere  had  too  much  con 
science  to  try  to  sell  his  daughter  outright,  but  since 
she  was  in  a  mood  for  a  bargain  he  had  insured  the 
possibility  of  one  remarkably  good  in  his  estima- 


35°  -I    YOUNG    GYA'/AS"   ll'OOINC,. 

tion,  and    was   no\v    on    his    way    \viih   veiy  definite 
offers  and  statements  indeed. 

In  the  late  afternoon  Madge  was  speaking1  about 
a  book  to  an  acquaintance  who  said,  "  Go  up  to  my 
room  and  get  it. " 

Madge  was  not  sure  whether  she  cared  to  read 
the  book  or  not,  and  sat  down  to  examine  it.  Sud 
denly  she  heard  distinctly  the  words,  "  I  don't  be 
lieve  Henry  Muir  is  in  danger  of  failure.  Ciraydon 
scouted  the  idea.  You  and  Arnault  are  seeking  to 
mislead  me." 

.Madge  then  remembered  that  the  next  room  was 
occupied  by  Miss  Wildmere,  and  her  first  impulse 
was  to  make  a  noise,  that  the  proximity  of  some 
one  might  be  known,  but  like  a  flash  came  the 
thought,  "  Chance  may  have  put  me  in  the  way  of 
getting  information  of  vital  importance  to  Henry  ;" 
and  the  next  sentence  spoken  assured  her  that  this 
was  true,  for  she  heard  a  voice  which  she  recog 
nized  as  Mr.  Wild  mere's  say  : 

In  all  human  probability  Muir  will  be  compelled 
to  suspend  to-morrow.  Mr.  Arnault  has  placed  in 
his  hands  a  call  loan.  You  know  what  that  is. 
Arnault  is  so  alarmed  about  Muir's  condition  that 
he  will  demand  the  money  in  the  morning,  and  I 
am  perfectly  satisfied  that  Muir  can't  raise  it.  You 
know  enough  about  business  to  be  aware  of  what 
will  happen  if  he  cannot.  Such  is  the  market  now 
that  if  Muir  goes  down  he  will  be  cleaned  out 
utterly,  and  Graydon  will  have  to  begin  at  the  bot 
tom  like  any  other  young'  man  without  resources. 


THE    ENEMIES'    PLANS.  351 

Of  course,  Arnault  cannot  afford  to  lose  the  money, 
and  must  act  like  any  other  business  man. 

'  But  he  did  not  send  me  here  to  tell  you  this. 
As  his  broker  I  know  about  it,  and  tell  you  of  my 
own  accord.  This  is  what  he  did  authorize  me  to 
say  to  you.  Had  not  business  interests,  which  have 
already  suffered  from  his  devotion  to  you,  pre 
vented,  he  would  be  here  now  to  make  the  offer  in 
person.  He  says  that  he  will  settle  upon  you  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars  in  your  own  right  the  day 
you  marry  him,  and  also  give  you  an  elegant  home 
in  the  city.  Now  what  is  your  answer  ?" 

'When  Henry  Muir  fails  I'll  believe  all  this," 
\vas  the  sullen  reply. 

Be  careful,  Stella.  Devoted  as  Arnault  is,  he 
is  not  a  man  to  be  trifled  with.  He  has  made  you 
a  munificent  offer,  but  if  you  show  this  kind  of 
spirit  he  is  just  the  one  to  withdraw  at  once  and  for 
ever.  If  you  love  Graydon  Muir  well  enough  to 
share  his  poverty,  \  have  not  another  word  to  say, 
although  I  shall  be  homeless  myself  in  conse 
quence. 

Nonsense,  papa  !  You  have  been  on  the  eve 
of  ruin  more  times  than  1  can  remember.  Graydon 
assured  me  that  he  was  abundantly  able  to  take 
care  of  me,  and  that  his  brother  was  in  no  danger. 
I  can  have  all  the  elegance  I  want  and  still  follow 
my  own  inclination.  If  Henry  Muir  fails,  of  course 
that  ends  the  matter  ;  and  if  he  is  to  fail  to-morrow 
it  will  be  time  enough  to  give  Mr.  Arnault  my  an 
swer  to-morrow  night,  as  he  asked  that  I  would.  If 


352  .•/    YOU.VG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

I  give  him  a  favorable  one  I  prefer  to  do  it  in 
person,  for  I  don't  wish  to  appear  mercenary.  You, 
I  hope,  have  the  sense  to  keep  this  phase  out  of 
view. " 

Oh,  certainly.  Such  high-minded  people  as  we 
are  should  not  be  misjudged,"  was  the  bitter  reply. 

One  has  to  take  the  world  as  it  is,  and  one  soon 
learns  that  all  are  looking  after  their  own  interests," 
was  the  cynical  reply. 

"A  beautiful  sentiment  for  one  so  young! 
Well,  I  must  return  to  the  city  to-night,  and  I  can 
not  take  your  acceptance  of  Mr.  Arnault's  offer?" 

No.  I  will  give  my  answer  in  person  to-mor 
row  night.  I  can  either  accede  in  a  way  that  will 
please  him,  or  decline  in  a  manner  that  will  keep 
his  friendship.  I  suppose  you  believe  what  you  say 
about  Mr.  Muir,  but  I  am  sure  you  are  mistaken, 
and  I  have  set  my  heart  on  marrying  Graydon." 

Your  heart  ?"  satirically. 
She  made  no  answer. 

'  You   are   taking  no   slight    risk,"    he    resumed, 
after  a  moment. 

Either  Arnault  is  misleading  you,  or  Graydon  is 
deceiving  me,  and  I  would  believe  him  in  prefer 
ence  to  Arnault  any  day.  I  won't  be  duped." 

"  But  I  tell  you,  Stella,  that  under  the  circum 
stances  Graydon 's  ignorance  is  not  at  all  strange. 
Me  has  been  absent  ;  he  is  not  in  the  firm  ;  and 
what  is  swamping  Muir  is  an  investment  outside  of 
his  regular  business." 

'  You  yourself  said  within  a  month  that  if  Henry 
Muir  went  through  this  business  crisis  he  would  rep- 


THE   ENEMIES'    PLAXS.  353 

resent  one  of  the  strongest  and  wealthiest  houses  in 
the  country.  If  he  is  in  the  danger  you  assert,  the 
fact  will  soon  be  manifested.  Mr.  Arnault  has 
requested  in}'  answer  to-morrow  night.  I  have  not 
promised  to  give  it  ;  I  have  only  promised  him  not 
to  accept  Graydon  in  the  mean  time." 

The  fact  that  Mr.  Arnault  is  helping  me  so 
greatly  counts  for  nothing,  I  suppose." 

"Oh,  yes;  I  appreciate  it  very  much,  but  not 
enough  to  marry  him  unless  I  must.  I  am  literally 
following  your  advice, — to  choose  between  these  two 
men.  I  shall  convey  to  Mr.  Arnault  the  impression 
that  1  am  deeply  moved  by  the  generosity  of  his 
ofter.  I  am.  Girls  don't  get  such  offers  every 
day.  You  can  show  him  that  the  very  fact  of  my 
hesitation  proves  that  I  am  not  mercenary  ;  or  I 
can,  when  I  see  him.  At  the  same  time  I  am  not 
at  all  satisfied  that  Graydon  Muir's  offer  is  not  a 
better  one,  and  it  is  certainly  more  to  my  mind — if 
you  don't  like  the  word  heart.  This  fact,  however, 
may  as  well  not  be  mentioned." 

After   some   moments'  hesitation  he  said,  slowly  : 

Very  well,  then.  You  are  my  daughter,  although 
a  strange  one,  and  I  shall  do  as  well  for  you  as  I 
can." 

Yes,  please.  I  parted  with  sentiment  long  ago, 
but  I  can  do  well  by  those  who  do  well  by  me.  I 
shall  soon  be  off  your  hands,  and  then  you  won't 
have  me  to  worry  about." 

]  Ic  made  no  response,  and  Madge  heard  his  step 
pass  into  his  wife's  room.  A  moment  later  Miss 
\Vildmere  also  departed,  and  her  voice  was  soon 


354  ••!    yoUN 

heard  on  the  piazza.  The  conversation  had  been 
carried  on  in  a  comparatively  lo\v  tone,  and  some 
words  had  been  lost,  but  those  heard  made  the 
sense  given  above.  Circumstances  had  favored 
Madge.  The  open  window  at  which  she  was  sit 
ting  was  near  the  next  window  in  Miss  Wildmere's 
room,  and  within  two  or  three  feet  there  was  the 
customary  thin-panelled  door  which  enables  the 
proprietor  to  throw  rooms  together,  as  required,  for 
the  accommodation  of  families.  Therefore,  without 
moving  or  volition  on  her  part  information  vital  to 
her  relatives  had  been  brought  to  her  knowledge. 
She  was  perfectly  overwhelmed  at  first,  and  sat  as  if 
stunned,  her  cheeks  scarlet  with  shame  for  the  act 
of  listening,  even  while  she  felt  that  for  the  sake  of 
the  innocent  and  unsuspecting,  to  whom  she  owed 
loyalty  and  love,  it  was  right.  Soon,  however, 
came  the  impulse  to  seek  the  refuge  of  her  own 
room  and  think  of  what  must  be  done.  She  stepped 
lightly  to  the  outer  door  ;  there  was  no  sound  in  the 
corridor,  and  with  all  the  composure  she  could  as 
sume  she  passed  quietly  out  and  gained  her  own 
apartment  unobserved. 


CHAPTER    XXX. 

THE    STRONG    MAN    UNMANNED. 

MADGE  locked  her  doors,  bathed  her  hot  face, 
then  paced  her  room  in  great  agitation,  fecl- 
ig  that  not  only  her  own  happiness  was  in  peril, 
ut  (iraydon's  also.  Her  mental  distress  was 
rcatly  enhanced  by  a  feeling  that  in  order  to  save 
er  relatives  she  herself  had  been  guilty  of  what  to 
er  sensitive  nature  appeared  almost  like  a  crime. 

Was  it  right  ?"  she  asked  lurself  again  and  again, 
ml  at  last  reached  the  conclusion  that  the  fealty 
.10  owed  to  her  relatives  and  to  the  man  she  loved 
astified  her  course  —  that  she  should  shield  them 
vcn  at  such  cost  to  herself.  '  It  was  not  curiosity 
lat  kept  me  passive,"  .she  thought,  "  but  the  hope, 
ic  chance  to  save  Henry  from  financial  ruin  and 
r  ray  don  from  far  worse  disaster."  It  would  indeed 
c  "horrible"  for  any  true  man  to  marry  such  a 
irl  ;  and  to  permit  the  man  she  loved  to  make  such 

fatal  blunder  was  simply  monstrous.  Vet  how 
juld  she  prevent  it  without  doing  violence  to 
very  maidenly  principle  of  her  nature  ? 

Should  she  tell  her  sister  ?  This  impulse  passed 
[most  instantl}'.  Mar}-  had  not  the  tact,  nerve,  or 
Jticence  to  meet  such  an  emergency.  It  seemed. 


356  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   U'OOLVG. 

however,  that  if  something  was  not  done  almost  im 
mediately  this  callous,  selfish  girl  would  cause  life 
long  wretchedness  to  Graydon  as  certainly  as  to 
Madge  herself.  Such  a  nature  could  not  long  main 
tain  its  disguise,  and  probably  would  not  be  at  pains 
to  do  so  after  marriage.  The  self-sacrifice  that  she 
had  led  Graydon  to  believe  in  was  all  deceit.  It 
was  self  with  her,  first  and  last  ;  it  would  be  self 
always.  Madge  knew  Graydon  well  enough  to  be 
sure  that  to  him,  when  his  illusions  were  dissipated, 
the  marriage  vow  would  become  a  chain  growing 
heavier  with  time. 

This  absolutely  certain  phase  of  the  danger  was 
so  terrible  that  at  first  it  almost  completely  domi 
nated  her  thoughts.  "  Oh,"  she  moaned,  "  I  could 
see  him  marry  a  woman  who  would  make  him 
happy,  and  yet  survive,  but  this  would  be  worse 
than  death  !" 

As  she  became  more  calm  and  could  think  con 
nectedly,  her  mind  reverted  to  what  had  been  said 
about  Henry's  financial  peril  ;  and  while  she  was 
inclined  to  take  the  same  view  as  Miss  Wildmere, 
she  soon  began  to  see  that  her  brother-in-law  should 
be  informed  of  all  references  to  him.  Then  the  im 
pression  grew  upon  her  that  it  would  be  wisest  to 
tell  him  all,  and  let  him  save  his  brother,  if  possible, 
from  a  fate  infinitely  worse  than  lifelong  poverty. 
Would  this  involve  the  disclosure  to  Mr.  Muir  of 
her  secret  ?  Sometimes  she  thought  that  he  half 
suspected  her  already,  and  she  feared  that  she  could 
scarcely  speak  of  a  subject  that  touched  her  heart's 
interests  so  closely  without  revealing  to  those  keen 


THE    STRONG   MAN    UNMANNED.  357 

gray   eyes   more   than   she   would    have   them    see. 
But  the  risk  must  be  taken,  to  save  Gray  don. 

"Can  it  be?"  she  said,  after  musing  a  while, 
"  that  Henry  is  in  any  such  danger  as  that  man  as 
serted,  or  was  it  a  trumped-up  scheme  to  influence 
the  girl  ?  Still,  he  did  say  that  if  she  would  choose 
Graydon  and  poverty  he  would  not  interpose. 
Poverty  !  I  would  welcome  bondage  and  chains 
with  Graydon.  I  would  almost  welcome  Henry's 
failure,  that  I  might  prove  to  them  my  devotion. 
Every  penny  of  my  fortune  should  be  theirs. 
Henry  has  looked  very  anxious  and  troubled  some 
times  when  thinking  himself  unobserved.  He 
keeps  everything  to  himself  so — 

Suddenly  she  sprung  up  with  a  flash  of  joy  in  her 
face,  and  whispered  to  herself,  excitedly  :  "  Sup 
pose  there  is  truth  in  what  was  said  by  those  specu 
lators.  I  have  a  fortune,  and  it's  my  own.  Henry 
said  it  was  so  left  to  me  that  I  could  control  it  after 
I  was  eighteen.  I  can  lend  Henry  the  money  to 
pay  Arnault.  I  will  give  him  every  penny  I  pos 
sess  to  carry  him  safely  through.  Oh,  I  am  so  glad 
he  is  coming  to-night  !" 

Come  down  to  supper,"  called  Mrs.  Muir. 

Why,  Madge,"  exclaimed  the  lady,  as  they  sat 
down  under  the  light  of  the  chandelier,  "  how 
flushed  you  arc  !  And  your  eyes  fairly  beam  with 
excitement.  I  half  believe  you  are  feverish." 

Nonsense  !  No  doses  for  me  now  ;  milk  and 
beefsteak  are  my  remedies.  I've  been  dwelling  on 
some  scenes  partly  imaginary,  and  you  know  how 
wrought  up  I  get." 


35 8  A    YOUNG   GIKL'S   HOODING. 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  now  I  remember,  you  asked  Miss 
Thompson  for  a  book,  and  went  for  it  to  her  room. 
Of  course  that  was  the  last  seen  of  you.  I  never 
could  get  so  carried  away  by  a  story." 

I  haven't  your  even  disposition,  Mary." 

"  Miss  Wildmere  looks  brilliant  to-night,  also. 
And  if  there  isn't  her  father  !  This  is  the  first  time 
I've  seen  him  up  during  the  week.  Well,  I'm  glad 
to  see  that  his  daughter  can  wake  up  a  little  for  his 
sake,  as  well  as  for  some  other  man." 

Madge  looked  at  her  with  mingled  curiosity 
and  repugnance.  '  Horrid  little  monster!"  she 
thought.  "  Now  she  is  performing  her  filial  act. 
As  her  father  said,  '  such  high-toned  people  should 
not  be  misjudged.' 

I  think  you  dislike  her  worse  than  Henry 
does,"  said  Mrs.  Muir,  with  a  low  laugh.  'You 
look  at  her  as  if  she  were  a  snake." 

"  She  is  not  a  girl  after  my  heart,"  Madge  replied, 
carelessly  ;  then  added,  under  her  breath,  "  She's  a 
vampire,  but  she  sha' n't  drain  Graydon's  life-blood." 

Miss  Wildmere  was  certainly  in  a  genial  mood. 
The  munificent  offer  received  from  Mr.  Arnault  had 
enhanced  her  self-appreciation,  and  she  felt  that  she 
had  met  it  with  rare  nerve  and  sagacity.  She  had 
not  shown  herself  dazzled  like  a  village  girl,  and 
eager  to  grasp  the  prize.  Moreover,  she  had 
•thought,  with  proud  complacency  :  "  The  man  who 
can  offer  so  much  is  not  going  to  give  me  up,  even 
should  I  keep  him  waiting  months  longer.  I  still 
believe  that  Graydon  can  give  me  all  I  want  at  pres 
ent,  and  at  the  same  time  a  position  in  society 


Till-.    STRONG   MAX    L\\MANXED.  359 

which  Arnault  could  never  attain,  though  worth 
millions.  Arnault  is  on  top  of  the  wave  now,  but 
he  is  a  speculator,  like  papa,  and  I'm  sick  of  these 
Wall-Street  ups  and  downs.  I  believe  in  Henry 
Muir's  conservatism.  Because  he  is  keeping  quiet 
now  they  think  he  is  going  to  fail.  He  is  just  the 
kind  of  man  to  be  five  times  as  rich  as  people  think. 
Graydon  will  succeed  to  his  business  and  business 
methods,  and  will  not  only  make  an  immense  fort 
une,  but  keep  it.  Papa  has  given  me  the  test  of  all 
these  gloomy  warnings.  If  Henry  Muir  does  not 
fail  to-morrow,  I  won't  believe  a  word  of  all  that's 
been  said.  If  he  does,  I'll  do  the  next  best  thing, 

O  ' 

and  take  Arnault.  No  tenement-house  for  me, 
thank  you.  I've  not  been  in  society  so  long  as  not 
to  make  the  most  of  my  chances  ;"  and  under  the 
inspiration  of  thoughts  like  these  Miss  Wildmerc 
condescended  to  be  affable  to  her  parents,  and  to 
smile  upon  the  world  in  general. 

Madge  Alden  was  an  exception,  however,  and  for 
her  she  had  only  a  frown  as  she  looked  across  the 
room  at  the  young  girl  and  saw  the  admiration  and 
friendly  regard  that  were  so  freely  bestowed  upon 
her.  As  was  inevitable,  the  selfish  spirit  of  one  girl 
had  repelled  and  the  kindly  nature  of  the  other  had 
attracted  good-will.  Human  instinct  is  quick  to 
recognize  the  tax-gatherers  of  society, — the  people 
who  are  ever  exacting,  yet  give  little  except  slights, 
wounds,  and  criticism. 

"  Oh,"  thought  Miss  \Yildmere,  "if  I  can  only 
many  Graydon  and  snub  that  girl  unmercifully  I 
shall  be  perfectly  happy  !" 


360  A    YOL\YG   GIXL'S  \VOOL\G. 

The  late  train  would  not  arrive  before  nine 
o'clock,  and  Madge  determined  to  go  down  in  the 
stage  to  meet  Mr.  Muir.  In  the  mean  time  her 
quick  mind  was  coping  with  the  emergency.  She- 
had  often  heard  it  said  that  in  times  of  financial  un 
certainty  an  air  of  the  utmost  confidence  should  be 
maintained.  Therefore  she  drew  her  sister  into  the 
parlor,  and  managed  to  place  her  in  a  lively  and 
congenial  group  of  ladies.  Mrs.  Muir  herself  was 
happy  in  the  thought  of  soon  seeing  her  husband, 
and  appeared  cheerfulness  embodied. 

Miss  YVildmere  saw  her  laughing  and  chatting 
with  such  unforced  geniality  that  she  muttered  : 
It's  perfectly  absurd  to  imagine  that  her  husband 
is  on  the  eve  of  bankruptcy.  Even  if  he  tried  he 
couldn't  keep  such  trouble  utterly  from  his  wife, 
and  I've  seen  enough  of  people  to  be  sure  she  does 
not  dream  of  danger.  The  best  people  of  the  house 
are  ever  around  her  and  that  Madge  Alden.  Un 
less  papa  returns  to-morrow  night  with  predictions 
confirmed,  the  Muirs  will  have  to  admit  me  here 
after  into  their  charmed  circle.  '  Sister  Madge 
looks  also  as  if  something  keyed  her  up  tremen 
dously.  Perhaps  she  is  thinking  that  Graydon  will 
return  to-morrow  to  be  her  escort  on  long  rides 
again.  I'll  soon  put  a  spoke  in  that  wheel,  my 
proud  minx.  In  a  few  hours  you  may  wear  a  very 
different  expression." 

When  the  two  girls  met,  however,  they  were 
scrupulously  polite  ;  but  Madge  took  such  pains  to 
make  these  occasions  rare  that  Miss  \\Tldmere  per 
ceived  the  avoidance,  and  her  vindictive  feeling  was 


THE    STROXG   .l/./.V    UNMANNED.  3.')  i 

intensified.  Madge  saw  one  or  two  of  her  dark- 
looks,  but  only  thought,  "  I  shall  now  take  a  part 
in  your  cruel  game,  and  it  may  not  end  as  you  im 
agine."  She  danced  and  laughed  as  if  not  a  care 
weighed  LI poii  her  mind. 

When  the  hour  arrived  for  the  stage  to  meet  the 
train  she  slipped  away,  wrapped  herself  in  a  cloak, 
and  said  to  the  driver  that  she  was  going  to  meet  a 
relative.  The  train  was  on  time,  and  Mr.  Muir, 
with  others  who  were  strangers,  entered  the  stage. 

'Why,    Madge!"    he    exclaimed;     "you    here? 
This  certainly  is  very  kind." 

They  sat  a  little  apart,  and  she  whispered  : 
I)on't  show  any  surprise  at  this  or  anything  else 
to-night.  I  have  something  to  tell  you,  and  you 
must  manage  to  give  me  a  private  interview  without 
anv  one  knowing  it, — not  even  Mary  at  present." 
It's  about  Graydon,"  he  said,  anxiously. 
It's  chiefly  about  yourself.  I've  heard  some 
thing."  She  took  his  hand  in  the  darkness,  and 
fell  it  tremble.  '  You  know  how  to  keep  cool  and 
disguise  your  feelings,"  she  resumed.  '  We  can 
beat  them  yet.  I  left  Mary  in  the  parlor,  the 
merriest  of  a  merry  group.  She  is  happy  in  the 
thought  that  you  are  coming,  and  doesn't  suspect 
am  thing.  I  am  sure  you  will  kno\v  just  what 
to  do  when  I  tell  you  all,  and  you  can  avert  all 
danger,  (ireet  Mary  as  usual,  and  make  the  peo 
ple  in  the  house  think  you  have  no  trouble  on  your 
mind." 

All  right,  Madge.      As  soon  as  I've  had  a  little- 
supper,  you  come   to  my  room." 


362  A    YOUNG   GIXL'S  WOOING. 

No  ;  you  must  take  a  walk  with  me  outside.  I 
want  no  walls  with  ears  around." 

"  Is  it  so  very  serious  ?" 

'  You    will    know    best    when    I    have   told   you 
everything." 

A  few  moments  later  Mr.  Muir  walked  into  the 
parlor  the  picture  of  serene  confidence,  and  smiling 
pleasure  at  meeting  his  wife,  who  sprung  up,  ex 
claiming  :  I  declare,  I  was  so  enjoying  myself 
that  I  did  not  realize  it  was  time  for  you  to  be  here. 
Come,  I've  ordered  a  splendid  supper  for  you." 

I  shall  reward  your  thoughtfulncss  abundantly," 
he  replied,  "  for  I  am  ravenous."  lie  then  greeted 
Mrs.  Muir's  friends  cordially,  said  some  pleasant 
words,  and  even  bowed,  when  retiring,  very  politely 
to  Mrs.  Wildmere,  who  in  her  meek,  deprecating 
way  sat  near  the  door. 

Two  or  three  gentlemen  sought  Madge's  hand  for 
the  next  dance,  and  she  was  out  upon  the  floor 
again,  her  absence  not  having  been  commented 
upon. 

Not  a  feature  of  this  by-play  had  been  lost  on 
Miss  Wildmere,  and  she  smiled  satirically.  '  They 
thought  to  dupe  me  with  delusions  about  Mr.  Muir. 
He  has  no  more  idea  of  failing  than  I  have,  and  be 
fore  very  long  he  shall  be  Brother  Henry  to  me  as 
well  as  to  Madge  Alden." 

After  a  little  while  Madge  excused  herself  and 
joined  her  relatives  in  the  dining-room.  She  found 
her  sister  happy  in  giving  all  the  details  of  what  had 
occurred  in  her  husband's  absence,  and  he  was  list 
ening  with  his  usual  quiet  interest,  while  deliber- 


THE   STKOXG  MAN    UNMANNED.  363 

utely  prolonging  his  meal  to  give  the  impression 
that  his  appetite  made  good  his  words.  But  Madge 
saw  that  he  was  pale  and  at  times  preoccupied. 

At  last  he  rose  from  the  table,  and  Mrs.  Muir 
said,  "  I  will  go  and  have  a  look  at  the  children, 
and  then  join  you  on  the  piazza." 

'  Very  well,  Mary,  I'll  be  there  soon.  I've  sat 
so  long  in  the  cars  that  I  want  to  walk  a  little  for  a 
change,  so  don't  hasten  or  worry  if  I'm  gone  a  little 
longer  than  usual.  After  such  a  splendid  supper  as 
you  have  secured  for  me  I  need  a  little  exercise, 
and  will  smoke  my  cigar  on  my  feet.  The  fact  is,  I 
don't  get  exercise  enough.  Come,  Madge,  you'd 
walk  all  day  if  you  had  a  chance." 

Mrs.  Muir  thought  the  idea  very  sensible.  Mr. 
Muir  and  Madge  passed  out  through  a  side  door. 
The-  former  lighted  his  cigar  leisurely,  and  they 
strolled  away  as  if  for  no  other  purpose;  than  to 
enjoy  the  warm  evening.  The  storm  had  not  come, 
but  clouds  were  flying  wildly  across  the  disk  of  the 
moon,  and  the  hurry-skurry  in  the  sky  was  akin  to 
the  thoughts  of  the  quiet  saunterers. 
Where  shall  we  go  ?"  he  asked. 

'  Not  far  away.  There  is  an  open  walk  near, 
wlu  re  we  could  see  any  one  approach  us." 

Now,  Madge,"  Mr.  Muir  began,  after  reaching 
the  spot,  "  I  have  followed  your  suggestions,  for 
I  have  great  confidence  in  your  gocd  sense.  Your 
words  have  worried  me  exceedingly." 

'There  is  reason  for  it,  Henry,  even  though 
there  is  probably  no  truth  in  what  has  been  said 
about  your  financial  peril." 


364  A    YOUNG   GIKVS  WOOING. 

"  Great  God  !"  he  exclaimed,  starting,  "  is  that 
subject  talked  about  ?" 

"  Do  you  owe  money  to  Mr.  Arnault  ?" 
'  Yes,"  with  a  groan.  . 

'  Would  it  hurt  you  should  he  demand  it  to-mor 
row  ?" 

"  O  Madge,  this  is  dreadful  !"  and  she  saw  that 
he  was  trembling. 

Now,    Henry,    take   heart,    and   be   your    cool, 
brave  self." 

"  Give  me  a  little  time,  Madge.  I've  been  carry 
ing  a  heavy  load,  but  thought  the  worst  was  over. 
I  believe  things  have  touched  bottom,  and  I  was 
beginning  to  see  my  way  to  safety  in  a  short  time. 
Even  now  the  tide  is  turning,  and  I  can  realize  on 
some  things  in  a  few  days.  But  if  this  money  is 
demanded  to-morrow — Saturday,  too,  when  nearly 
all  my  friends  are  out  of  town — it  is  very  doubtful 
whether  I  could  raise  it." 

'  Would  it  cause  your  failure  ?" 
'  Yes,  yes  indeed.  A  man  may  be  worth  a  mill 
ion,  but  if  he  can't  get  hold  of  ready  money  at  the 
moment  it  is  needed,  everything  may  be  swept 
away.  O  Madge,  this  is  cruel  !  With  just  a  little 
more  time  I  could  be  safe  and  rich." 

:'  Why  have  you  not  told  us  this  ?" 

"  Because  I  wouldn't  touch  your  money  and 
Mary's  under  any  circumstances,  and  I  know  that 
you  both  would  have  given  me  no  peace,  through 
trying  to  persuade  me  to  borrow  from  you." 

'  That's  just   like  you,   Henry.      How  much  do 
you  owe  Mr.  Arnault?" 


THE    STRONG  MAN    UNMANNED.  365 

'  Madge,  I'm  not  going  to  borrow  your  money." 

"  Of  course  not,  Henry.      Please  tell  me." 
'  You  will  take  no  action  without  my  consent  ?  ' 

"  Certainly  not." 

"  Well,  the  paltry  sum  of  thirty  thousand,  if  de 
manded  to-morrow,  may  involve  the  loss  of  my  fort 
une.  Of  course  if  I  could  not  pay  this  at  once  all 
the  rest  would  be  down  on  me.  How  in  the  world 
did  you  gain  any  knowledge  of  this  affair?" 

Thank  God,  and  take  courage.  I  believe  good 
is  going  to  come  out  of  this  evil,  and  I  believe  you 
will  think  so  too  when  you  have  heard  my  story  ;" 
and  she  told  him  everything. 

And  Graydon  has,  to  all  intents  and  purposes, 
engaged  himself  to  this — speculator,"  said  Mr. 
Muir,  grinding  his  teeth.  '  He's  no  brother  of 
mine  if  he  does  not  break  with  her  ;  and,  as  it  is,  I 
feel  as  if  I  could  never  trust  him  with  my  affairs 
again." 

Henry  Muir  was  a  man  not  easily  moved,  but 
now  his  concentrated  passion  was  terrible  to  wit 
ness.  His  hands  worked  convulsively;  his  respira 
tion  was  quick  and  irregular.  His  business  and  his 
commercial  standing  were  his  idols,  and  to  think 
that  a  selfish,  scheming  girl  had  caused  the  jeopardy 
of  both  to  further  her  own  petty  ambition,  and  that 
his  brother  should  be  one  of  her  tools,  enraged  him 
beyond  measure. 

'Now,"  he  hissed,  'I  understand  why  that 
plausible  scamp  offered  to  lend  me  money.  lie 
and  his  confederate  Wildmere  have  been  watching 
and  biding  their  time.  I  had  to  be  ruined  in  order 


366  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

to  bring  that  speculator's  daughter  to  a  decision, 
and  (iraydon  has  been  doing  his  level  best  to 
further  these  schemes." 

"Henry,     Henry,     do     be     calm.      You    are    not 
ruined,  and   shall  not  be." 

It's   no  use,  Madge  ;    I'm  foully  caught  in  their 
devilish  toils. 

Madge   grasped    his   arm   with    a    force  that  com 
pelled  his  attention. 

Henry  Muir,"  she  said,  in  low  and  almost  stern 
tones,  "  you  shall  listen  to  me.  Ignorant  girl  as  I 
am,  I  know  better,  and  I  demand  that  you  meet 
this  emergency,  not  in  impotent  anger,  but  with 
your  whole  manhood.  I  demand  it  for  the  sake  of 
my  sister  and  your  children,  for  your  own  sake  and 
Graydon's.  You  explained  to  me  before  we  left 
town  that  I  had  sixty  thousand  dollars  in  United 
States  bonds,  first  mortgage,  and  other  good  securi 
ties.  You  also  explained  that  by  the  provisions  of 
my  father's  will  I  had  control  of  this  money  after  I 
was  eighteen.  You  have  been  so  scrupulous  that 
you  have  not  even  thought  of  asking  for  the  use  of 
it,  but  I  demand  of  you,  as  an  honest  man,  what  . 
right  have  you  to  prevent  me  from  doing  what  I 
please  with  it  ?" 

'  You  cannot  make  me  take  it,  Madge." 

"  I  can  and  will.  I  shall  go  to  the  city  with  you 
by  the  earliest  train,  and  when  Arnault  asks  for  his 
money  you  shall  quietly  give  it  to  him,  and  no  one 
but  ourselves  shall  know  anything  about  the  matter. 
If  you  pay  this  money  promptly,  will  it  not  help 
your  credit  at  once  ?" 


THE    STRONG  MAN    UNMANNED.  367 

"  Certainly,  Madge,  but — " 

"  O  Henry,"  she  cried,  "  why  will  you  cloud  all 
our  lives  by  scruples  that  are  now  not  only  absurd 
but  almost  criminal  ?  Think  of  the  loss  you  will 
inflict  on  Graydon,  your  children,  and  your  wife,  by 
such  senseless  refusal.  Have  you  not  said  that  a 
little  time  will  insure  safety  and  fortune  ?  And 
there  is  my  money  lying  idle,  when  with  to-mor 
row's  sun  it  could  buy  me  more  happiness  than 
could  millions  at  another  time.  I  trust  to  your 
business  judgment  fully.  Suppose  the  money  was 
lost, — suppose  my  whole  fortune  was  lost, — do  you 
think  I  would  care  a  jot  compared  with  being  de 
nied  at  this  critical  moment  ?  I  should  hate  the 
money  you  saved  for  me  in  this  way,  and  I  should 
never  forgive  you  for  saving  it."  She  stood  aloof 
and  faced  him  proudly,  as  she  continued  :  "  Do 
you  imagine  I  fear  poverty?  Believe  me,  Henry 
Muir,  I  have  brain  and  muscle  to  take  care  of  my 
self  and  others  too  if  need  be."  Then,  in  swift 
alternation  of  mood,  she  clasped  her  hands  caress 
ingly  upon  his  arm,  and  added  :  "  But  I  have  a 
<  woman's  heart,  and  there  are  troubles  worse  than 
poverty.  To  see  you  lose  the  results  of  your  life- 
work,  and  to  see  Graydon's  prospects  blighted, 
would  be  more  than  I  could  bear.  You  can  give 
me  all  the  security  you  wish,  if  that  will  satisfy  you 
better  ;  but  if  you  deny  me  now,  I  shall  lose  confi 
dence  in  you,  and  feel  that  you  have  failed  me  in 
the  most  desperate  emergency  of  my  life." 

The    most   desperate    emergency    of  your    life, 
Mactoc?" 


3^8  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

'  Yes  ;  of  my  life,"  she  replied,  her  voice  choking 
with  sobs,  for  the  strain  was  growing  too  great  for 
her  nerve-force  to  resist.  '  You  give  way  to  sense 
less  anger  ;  you  inveigh  against  Graydon,  when  he 
has  only  acted  honorably,  and  has  been  deceived  ; 
you  refuse  to  do  the  one  simple,  rational  thing  that 
will  avert  this  trouble  and  bring  safety  to  us  all." 

'  Why,  Madge,  if  I  fail,  this  speculator  will  drop 
Graydon  at  once.  Scott  !  this  fact  alone  would  be 
large  compensation." 

If  you  were  cool — if  you  were  yourself — you 
could  save  Graydon  in  every  way.  I  want  to  see 
him  go  on  in  life,  prosperous  and  happy,  not 
thwarted  and  disheartened  almost  at  its  beginning. 
Oh,  why  won't  you?  Why  %von  t  you?"  and  she 
wrung  her  hands  in  distress. 

"  Is  Graydon  so  very  much  to  you,  Madge  ?"  he 
asked,  in  a  wondering  tone. 

'  Hush  !"  she  said,  imperiously  ;  "  there  are 
things  which  no  man  or  woman  shall  know  or  ap 
pear  to  know  unless  I  reveal  them.  It's  enough 
that  I  am  trying  to  save  you  all,  and  my  own  peace 
of  mind.  Henry  Muir,  I  will  not  be  denied. 
There  are  moments  when  a  woman  feels  and  knoivs 
what  is  right,  while  a  man,  with  his  narrow,  cast- 
iron  rules,  would  ruin  everything.  You  must  carry 
out  my  wish,  and  Graydon  must  know  nothing  about 
it.  O  God  !  that  I  were  a  man  !" 

"  Thank  God,  you  are  a  woman  !  Child  as  you 
are,  compared  with  my  years  and  experience,  you 
shall  have  your  own  way.  I  will  this  once  put  my 
lifelong  principle  under  my  feet,  and  if  the  future 


THE  STKOXG  .~\rA\r  u^'^^A^\VFJ\          369 

house  of  Muir*  &  Brother  is  saved,  you  shall  save 
it." 

"Oh,  thank  you,  thank  you,  Henry!  Now  sec 
ho\v  happy  I  am.  I  have  but  one  stipulation, — the 
'  brother  '  must  not  know  it.  We  shall  go  on  the 
first  train,  shall  \ve  not?" 

'  Yes.  You  can  say  you  want  to  do  some  shop 
ping.  Come,  we  have  been  away  from  Mary  too 
long  already.  O  Madge,  Madge,  would  that  there 
were  more  ^irls  like  you  !" 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

CHECKMATE. 

'  \T  TELL,"   exclaimed    Mrs.    Muir,    when   they 
VV      appeared    at    last;     "I    thought    you    and 
Madge  had  eloped  !" 

We  are  going  to  to-morrow  by  first  train,"  said 
the  young  girl.  '  Henry  says  he  must  return  to 
town  for  the  day,  and  I  shall  accompany  him  to  do 
some  shopping. " 

Now,  Henry,  this  is  too  bad,  and  I've  scarcely 
seen  you  this  evening." 

I'm  truly  sorry,  Mary  ;  I  did  look  forward  to  a 
good  quiet  clay  with  you,  but  there  is  an  important 
matter  which  I  neglected  to  see  to  to-day,  and 
which  must  be  attended  to.  Graydon  will  soon  be 
ready  to  relieve  me  a  great  deal." 

'  Well,  I  shall  be  glad  when  he  can  do  some 
thing  besides  waiting  on  Mr.  Arnault's  convenience 
for  the  privilege  of  seeing  Miss  Wildmere.  It  will 
be  a  terribly  long,  fatiguing  day  for  you,  Madge, — 
for  you  both,  indeed  !" 

"  Oh,  I  sha'n't  mind  it  in  the  least  !  It  won't  be 
half  so  fatiguing  as  one  of  my  long  rides.  You 
spoke  of  wanting  some  things,  and  I  can  shop  for 
you,  too." 


CHECKMATE.  371 

Mrs.  Muir  had  long  since  given  up  the  idea  of 
objecting  seriously  to  anything  for  which  business 
was  the  alleged  reason.  The  chance  to  do  some 
shopping  by  proxy  soon  occupied  her  mind,  and 
when  Miss  Wild  mere  took  occasion  to  pass  and  re- 
pass,  the  only  apparent  topic  of  interest  in  the 
Muir  group  was  the  prospect  of  purchasing  some 
expensive  goods. 

Madge  retired  early  to  prepare  for  her  journey. 
Airs.  Muir  soon  followed,  and  her  husband  remarked 
that  he  would  merely  remain  down  long  enough  to 
write  a  note  to  Graydon.  This  missive  was  brief, 
but  was  charged  with  dynamite. 

On  the  morrow,  long  before  Miss  Wildmcre 
\vakcd  from  the  golden  dreams  which  that  day 
should  realize,  Madge  and  Mr.  Muir  were  on  their 
way  to  the  city.  The  young  girl  had  said  :  "  Don't 
let  us  do  anything  by  halves.  I  have  read  that  in 
the  crisis  of  a  battle  timid  measures  are  often  fatal. 
Let  me  give  you  everything  that  you  can  use  as 
collateral.  I  low  much  is  there  ?" 

Sixty  thousand   available   at   once.      As   I  have 
said,  you  shall  have  your  own  way." 

Well,    for    once    a   woman    is    wiser   than    Solo 
mon." 

The}-  went  immediately  to  the  trust  company 
which  had  her  property  in  keeping,  and,  having 
complied  with  the  forms,  obtained  the  entire  sum. 
then  parted  on  Broadway,  to  rendezvous  at  the 
train.  Mr.  Muir  gave  the  radiant  girl  a  look  which 
she  valued  more  than  the  money.  lie  then  went 
to  his  bank.  The  official  whom  he  accosted  had 


372  A    YOUNG   GIRT: S  WOOING. 

been  rather  cold  and  shy  of  late,  but  when  he 
received  the  securities  he  grew  perceptibly  ur 
bane. 

On  reaching  his  office  Mr.  Muir  found  that  a 
transaction  which  had  been  greatly  delayed  was 
now  consummated,  and  that  another  ten  thousand 
in  cash  was  available.  This  also  was  sent  to  the 
bank  at  once.  Several  business  men  were  present 
when  a  confidential  clerk  from  Arnault  appeared, 
and  asked  for  a  private  interview. 

Well,  really  you  must  excuse  me  to-day.  I'm 
very  busy,  and  expect  to  leave  town  in  an  hour  or 
two.  Please  state  what  you  have  to  say  in  few 
words,  or  else  I  will  see  you  next  week." 

'Mr.  Arnault,"  began  the  clerk,  in  a  metallic 
tone,  "  says  that  he  is  compelled  to  call  in  the  loan 
he  recently  made  you." 

"  Oh,  certainly,  certainly  !  Have  you  the  securi 
ties  I  gave  him  as  collateral  ?" 

''  No,  sir,  but  I  can  get  them,"   said  the  man. 

','  Do  so,  and  I  will  give  you  my  check.  Thank 
Mr.  Arnault  for  the  accommodation,  and  say  I 
have  thirty  or  forty  thousand  to  spare  should  he  be 
hard  pressed.  Be  quick." 

The  Wall  Street   men   present   looked   at  one  an 
other    significantly,    and    one    of    them     remarked, 
'  You  are  forehanded  for  these  times,  Muir." 

"If  this  absurd  lack  of  confidence  would  only 
pass,"  was  the  careless  reply,  "  I  should  have  more 
money  on  hand  than  I  could  invest  profitably  ;" 
and  then  he  appeared  absorbed  in  other  matters. 

Arnault  received  the  message  from  his  clerk  with 


CHECKMATE.  373 

something  like  dismay,  and  turning  on  Mr.  Wild- 
mere,  who  Avas  present,  he  said,  almost  savagely, 
"  You  have  been  misleading  me." 

"  Indeed  I  have  not,  sir, — not  intentionally.  I 
can't  understand  it. " 

"  Well,  I  can.  Muir  is  an  old  fox  in  business. 
I  was  a  fool  to  think  that  a  paltry  thirty  thousand 
would  trouble  him.  Well,  there  is  nothing  to  do 
but  to  close  the  matter  up." 

"  What,  in  regard  to  my  daughter?"  said  Mr. 
Wildmere,  inadvertently. 

"  Oh,  no  ;  confound  it  !  What  has  she  got  to  do 
with  this  affair?"  replied  Arnault,  with  an  irritation 
th.it  he  could  not  disguise.  '  I  certainly  have 
made  Miss  Wildmere  a  fair  offer  ;  some  would 
regard  it  as  more.  I  shall  go  up  to-night  and 
receive  her  answer,  as  I  promised.  I  am  one  who 
never  fails  in  a  promise  to  man  or  woman,  and  I  am 
read\-  to  make  good  all  that  I  have  authorized  you 
t')  say  to  your  daughter,  and  more." 

Let  me  add,"  said  Mr.  Wildmere,  with  some 
assumption  of  dignity,  "  that  as  far  as  1  have  inllu- 
ei  co  it  is  absolutely  yours.  I  have  ever  prided 
m/self  on  my  fidelity  to  those  who  trust  me." 

'Thanks,"  replied  Arnault,  with  a  little  menac 
ing  coldness  in  his  tone.  '  I  hope  \  shall  have 
pr  iof  of  the  fact  this  evening.  If  so,  all  shall  go 
s\\  immingly. 

I'oor  Wildmere  bowed  himself  out  with  trepida 
tion  at  heart,  and  Arnault  followed  him  with  a  dark 
look,  muttering-,  "  Let  them  both  beware." 

Mr.     Muir    met    Madge    at    the    depot,    and    was- 


374  A    YOL'XG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

quietly  jubilant.      Both    laughed    heartily    over   the 
experiences  of  the  day. 

'  You  are  a  blessed  little  woman,  Madge.  I  was 
never  so  off  my  balance  before  in  my  life  as  I  was 
last  night.  When  confused  and  upset,  it  is  one  of 
my  impulses  to  stick  to  some  principle  of  right,  like 
a  mule.  Bless  you,  I  think  I  have  secured  you 
twice  over  !  I  have  given  you  a  lien  on  property 
worth  two  hundred  thousand  in  ordinary  times." 

'  You  have  taught  me  to  lean  on  you  once  more, 
Henry,  and  that  is  worth  more  than  all  your  other 
liens. " 

Mr.  Arnault  now  appeared,  and  came  affably  for 
ward,  saying,  "  I  am  glad  my  enforced  action  did 
not  incommode  you  to-day." 

Thank  you.  I  trust  you  are  not  in  trouble. 
Mr.  Arnault  ;"  and  there  was  a  world  of  quiet  satire 
in  the  remark. 

Oh,  no, — only  a  temporary  need,  I  assure 
you,"  was  the  hasty  reply. 

So  I  supposed  ;"  and  as  Arnault  turned  a\va/, 
the  speaker  gave  Madge  a  humorous  glance,  which 
made  her  look  of  demure  innocence  difficult  to 
maintain. 

Graydon  had  enjoyed  fair  success  in  fishing,  and 
yet  had  not  been  supremely  happy.  He  found, 
with  the  venerated  Izaak  Walton,  that  the  "  gentle 
art"  was  conducive  to  contemplation  ;  but  there 
were  certain  phases  in  his  situation  that  were  not 
agreeable  to  contemplate.  As  he  followed  the 
trout-stream  amid  the  solitudes  of  nature,  the  artifi- 


CHE  CKMA  TE.  375 

cial  and  conventional  in  life  grew  less  attractive. 
In  spite  of  his  efforts  to  the  contrary,  Miss  Wild- 
mere  seemed  to  represent  just  these  phases.  He 
recalled  critically  and  dispassionately  all  the  details 
of  their  past  acquaintance,  and  found,  with  some 
thing  like  dismay,  that  she  had  exhibited  only  the 
traits  of  a  society  belle, — that  he  could  recall  no 
new  ideas  or  inspiring  thoughts  received  from  her. 
The  apparent  self-sacrifice  for  her  father,  which  he 
had  so  unequivocally  condemned,  was,  after  all, 
about  the  best  thing  he  knew  of  her.  The  glamour 
of  her  beauty  had  been  upon  his  eyes,  and  he  had 
credited  her  with  corresponding  graces  of  heart  and 
mind.  What  evidence  had  he  of  their  existence  ? 

The  more  he  thought  of  it,  the  more  his  pride, 
also,  rebelled  at  the  ignominious  position  in  the 
background  that  he  was  compelled  to  take  while 
the  Wall  Street  diplomacy  was  prolonged.  At  last, 
in  anger  and  disgust,  he  resolved  that,  if  he  found 
Arnault  in  his  old  position  by  Stella's  side,  he 
would  withdraw  at  once  and  forever. 

After  all,  although  he  was  as  yet  unconscious  of 
it,  the  secret  of  his  clarified  vision  was  the  influence 
of  Madge  upon  his  mind.  She  seemed  in  harmony 
with  every  beautiful  aspect  of  nature, — true  and 
satisfying,  while  ever  changing.  Madge  was  right  : 
the  mountains,  streams,  rocks,  and  trees  became  her 
allies,  suggesting  her  and  not  Miss  Wildmere.  He 
would  have  returned,  for  the  pleasure  of  her  society, 
but  for  his  purpose  not  to  appear  again  until  Arnault 
should  have  time  to  arrive  from  the  city  and  resume 
his  attentions.  If  they  were  received  as  in  the 


past,  he   would    write    to    Miss   \Vildmcrc   his   with 
drawal  of  further  claims  upon  her  thoughts. 

It  was  with  something  like  bitter  cynicism  that 
he  saw  his  illusions  in  regard  to  Miss  Wildmerc 
fade,  and  when  he  drove  up  to  the  hotel  after 
nightfall  on  Saturday,  he  was  not  sure  that  he  cared 
much  what  her  answer  might  be,  so  apathetic  had 
he  become.  The  force  of  his  old  regard  was  not 
wholly  spent  ;  but  in  his  thoughts  of  her,  much 
that  was  repugnant  to  his  feelings  and  ideals  had 
presented  itself  to  his  mind,  and  he  felt  that  the 
giving  up  of  his  dream  of  lifelong  companionship 
with  her  would  almost  bring  a  sense  of  relief. 
Without  pausing  to  analyze  the  reason  of  his  eager 
ness  to  see  Madge  and  hear  of  her  welfare,  he  ran 
up  at  once  to  Mrs.  Muir's  room. 

"  Madge  went  to  New  York  !"  he  echoed,  in 
surprise  at  Mrs.  Muir's  information. 

'  Yes  ;  why  not  ?  She  went  to  do  some  shop 
ping  for  herself  ami  me.  Miss  Wildmere's  here, 
and,  for  a  wonder,  Mr.  Arnault  is  not.  What 
more  could  you  ask  ?" 

'  Hang  Mr.  Arnault —  He  had  come  near 
mentioning  both  'n  his  irritation. 

When  will  Madge  and  Henry  arrive  ?" 
"Soon    now, — on    the    nine-o'clock    train.      Oh, 
by  the  way,  Henry  left  a  note  for  you  !" 

'  Very  well.  I'll  go  to  my  room,  dress,  and 
meet  them." 

He  is  asking  after  Madge  rather  often,  it  seems 
to  me.  She  doesn't  compare  so  very  unfavorably 
with  the  speculator,  after  all,  even  in  his  eyes. " 


CHECKMATE.  377 

On  reaching  his  room  he  threw  himself  wearily 
into  a  chair,  and  carelessly  tore  open  his  brother's 
note.  Instantly  he  bounded  to  his  feet,  approached 
the  light  more  closely,  and  saw  in  his  brother's  un 
mistakable  hand  the  following  significant  words  : 

"  Read  this  letter  carefully  and  thoughtfully  ; 
then  destroy  it.  Show  your  knowledge  of  its  con 
tents  by  neither  word  nor  sign.  Be  on  your  guard, 
and  permit  no  one  to  suspect  financial  anxieties. 
Arnault  and  Wildmerc  have  struck  me  a  heavy 
blow.  The  former  has  lent  me  money.  I  must 
raise  a  large  sum  in  town,  but  think  I  can  do  it, 
even  in  the  brief  time  permitted.  If  I  cannot  we 
lose  everything.  If  I  don't  have  to  suspend  to 
morrow  Miss  Wildmcre  will  accept  you  in  the  even 
ing.  She  has  been  waiting  till  those  two  precious 
confederates,  her  father  and  Arnault,  did  their 
worst,  so  that  she  could  go  over  to  the  winning 
side.  You  are  of  course  your  own  master,  but 
permit  me,  as  your  brother,  affectionately  and  sol 
emnly  to  warn  you.  Stella  \Yildmere  will  never 
bring  you  a  day's  happiness  or  peace.  She  loves 
herself  infinitely  more  than  you,  her  father,  or  any 
one  else.  15e  true  to  me,  and  you  shall  share  my 
fortunes.  If  you  follow  some  insane  notion  of  being 
true  to  her,  you  will  soon  find  you  have  been  false 
to  yourself.  Again  I  warn  you.  Speak  to  no  one 
of  all  this,  and  give  no  sign  of  your  knowledge. 

"  IlKXKY." 

Graydon  read  this  twice,  then  crushed  the  paper 
in  his  hand  as  he  muttered,  "  Fool,  dupe,  idiot  ! 


378  A    YOU.VG    G7A'L'S   WOOING. 

Now  at  last  I  understand  her  game  and  allusions. 
She  \vas  made  to  fear  that  Henry  was  about  to  fail, 
and  she  would  not  accept  me  until  satisfied  on  this 
point.  Great  God  !  my  infatuation  for  her  has 
been  inciting  Arnault  in  these  critical  times  to 
break  my  brother  down,  and  her  father  has  been 
aiding  and  abetting,  in  order  that  I  might  be  re 
moved  out  of  the  way.  She  was  so  false  herself 
that  she  suspected  her  own  father,  also  Arnault,  of 
deceiving  her,  and  so  kept  putting  me  off,  that  she 
might  learn  the  truth  of  their  predictions  or  the  re 
sult  of  their  efforts.  How  clear  it  all  becomes,  now 
that  I  have  the  key  !  Well,  I  should  be  worse 
than  a  heathen  if  I  did  not  thank  God  for  such  an 
escape." 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

MADCK    IS    MATTKK-OF-FACT. 

'  "\  T  7"  ELL,  I  have  conic  back  to  civilization  and 
VV  all  its  miseries,"  thought  Graydon.  'I 
\vas  among  scenes  that  know  not  Wildmeres  or 
Arnaults.  '  ( )  my  prophetic  soul  '  '  I  felt  that  there 
was  something  wrong,  in  spite  of  her  superb  acting. 
S \vect  Madge,  dear  sister  Madge,  as  you  ever  will 
be  to  me,  the  more  1  think  of  it  the  more  clearly  I 
see  that  you  are  the  one  who  first  bewail  to  shatter 
my  delusion.  Since  that  morning  when  I  brought 
you  home  from  your  long  vigil,  and  you  revealed  to 
me  your  true,  brave  heart,  Stella  Wildmere  has 
never  seemed  the  same,  and  the  revolt  of  my  nature 
has  been  growing  ever  since." 

Ilis  wish  now  was  to  avoid  seeing  every  one  until 
he  had  met  his  brother.  While  the  thought  of  his 
escape  was  uppermost  in  his  mind,  he  was  con 
sumed  with  anxiety  to  learn  the  result  of  Henry's 
efforts  in  town.  His  commercial  instincts  were  also 
very  strong,  ;md  the  thought  of  what  might  happen 
fairly  made  him  tremble. 

lie  slipped  down  a  back  stairway  and  out  into 
the  darkness,  then  bent  his  rapid  steps  to  the  depot, 


380  ../    YOL'.YG   GIRL'S   WOOIXG. 

at  which  he  arrived  half  an  hour  before  the  train 
\vas  due.  Remembering  that  excited  pacing  up  and 
down  there  would  not  be  very  intelligent  obedience 
to  his  brother's  injunctions,  he  started  down  a 
country  road  in  the  direction  from  which  the  train 
would  come,  and  paced  to  and  fro  in  his  strong  ex 
citement.  At  last  the  train  arrived,  and  his  first 
glimpse  of  Henry's  face  and  Madge's  was  reassur 
ing.  The  moment  the  former  saw  him  he  called 
out,  "  Hello,  Graydon  !  Have  you  a  trout  supper 
for  us  ?" 

'  Yes,"  was  the  hearty  response  ;  and  he  hastened 
forward  and  shook  hands  cordially,  saying,  in  an 
aside,  "  O  Madge  !  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you  again  !" 

'  You  are  !  Tell  that  to  the  marines.  The 
length  of  your  stay  proves  it  to  be  a  fish  story." 

Here,  Madge,  we'll  put  you  in  the  stage.  I'll 
rest  myself  by  walking  to  the  house  with  Graydon." 

'Henry,  you  are  all  right?"  said  Graydon, 
eagerly,  as  soon  as  they  were  out  of  ear-shot. 

'Yes,"  was  the  quiet  reply  ;  'I  raised  the 
money,  paid  Arnault  in  full,  and  have  a  good  sur 
plus  in  the  bank. " 

'  Thank  Heaven  !  How  did  you  raise  it?  How 
lias  all  this  knowledge  reached— 

Patience,  Graydon,  patience.  As  soon  as  you 
are  in  the  firm  I  shall  have  no  secrets  from  you. 
Until  you  arc,  you  must  let  me  manage  in  my  old 
way." 

'  I  have  indeed  little  claim  on  your  confidence. 
I  have  been  deceived,  and  have  acted  like  a  fool. 
But  it's  all  over  now.  Henry,  you  may  not  believe 


MADGE    [S  MATTER-OF-FACT.  381 

me,  but  my  nonsense  would  have  ended  to-night  if 
I  hadn't  received  your  letter,  and  all  this  had  not 
occurred.  I  had  been  disgusted  with  this  Arnault 
business  for  some  time,  and  had  let  Miss  Wildmere 
know  my  views.  As  I  thought  it  over  while  away 
it  all  grew  so  detestable  to  me  that  I  resolved,  if 
Arnault  appeared  again  and  renewed  his  attentions, 
I  would  never  renew  mine.  He's  here  again,  as 
you  may  have  seen." 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  and  I  have  talked  with  him.  Please 
show  no  resentment.  I  obtained  my  information  in 
a  way  unknown  to  him,  and  there  is  nothing  un 
usual  in  our  transaction  on  its  face.  How  was  it 
that  you  began  to  grow  critical  toward  Miss  Wild- 


mere 


" 


Well,  I  don't  mind  telling  you.  There  was  not 
a  ring  of  truth  or  a  stamp  of  nobility  about  her 
words  and  manner,  and  I  have  been  associating 
with  a  girl  who  is  truth  itself  and  twice  as  clever 
and  accomplished.  Miss  Wildmere  was  growing 
commonplace  in  contrast.  I  learned  to  love  Madge 
as  a  sister  before  she  went  away,  and  now  no  man 
ever  admired  and  loved  a  sister  more." 

Mr.  Muir  smiled  broadly  to  himself  in  the  dark 
ness,  and  said  :  "  Truly,  Graydon,  you  are  giving 
satisfactory  proofs  of  returning  sanity.  We  may  as 
well  conclude  with  the  old  saying,  '  All's  well  that 
ends  well.  ' 

I  think  I  had  better  go  to  town  Monday  and 
resume  business.  It's  time  I  did  something  to  re 
trieve  myself.  " 

No,  (iraydon,   not    yet.      1    have   even-thing   in 


382  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S    ll'OOING. 

hand  now,  and  believe  the  tide  has  turned.  I  real 
ized  ten  thousand  to-day  on  a  transaction  that  I 
will  tell  you  about.  I  am  not  doing  much  business 
now,  only  watching  things  and  waiting.  It  was  the 
suddenness  of  Arnault's  demand  that  worried  me, 
— on  Saturday  too,  you  know.  lie  had  about  the 
same  as  said  that  I  might  have  the  money  as  long 
as  I  wanted  it,  and  I  should  not  have  needed  it 
much  longer.  In  ordinary  times  I  wouldn't  have 
given  it  a  thought, 

You  can  help  me  more  up  here.  It's  growing 
warm,  and  Jack  isn't  improving  as  I  would  like. 
After  what  has  occurred  I  don't  wish  Alary  and 
Madge  to  meet  these  \Vildmcres  any  longer,  so  I 
propose  that  you  and  Madge  go  to  the  Kaaterskill 
Hotel  on  Monday  and  explore.  If  you  like  the 
place,  then  you  can  take  Mary  and  the  children 
there.  I've  had  a  little  scare  in  town,  and  propose 
to  realize  on  some  more  property  and  make  myself 
perfectly  safe.  By  going  to  a  higher-priced  hotel 
we  increase  our  credit  also,  and  add  to  the  impres 
sion  I  made  to-day,  that  we  are  in  no  danger." 

As  the  stage  drew  near  the  piazza  Graydon 
hastened  forward  to  help  Madge  out.  In  doing  so 
he  saw  Miss  Wildmere  greeting  Arnault  cordially. 
As  he  passed  up  the  steps  with  Madge,  he  caught 
Stella's  swift,  appealing  look  at  him.  He  only 
bowed  politely  and  passed  on.  It  was  Madge's 
triumphal  entry  now  by  the  same  door  at  which  she 
had  seen  him  enter  with  Miss  Wildmere  but  a  few 
weeks  before.  Mow  complete  her  triumph  was, 
even  Madge  did  not  yet  know.  While  she  went  to 


MADGE    IS  MATTER-OF-FACT.  383 

her  room  ho  sought  the  office  and  ordered  some  of 
the  trout  he  had  caught  to  be  prepared  for  supper. 
As  he  stood  there  Miss  Wildmere  left  Arnault's 
side,  and  said,  "  Mr.  Muir,  are  you  not  going  to 
shake  hands  \vith  me  ?" 

'  \Yhy,  certainly,  Miss  Wildmere  ;"  but  there 
\vas  little  more  than  politeness  in  his  tone  and  man 
ner.  As  there  were  many  coming  and  going,  she 
drew  away  with  a  reproachful  glance.  "  So  long  as 
Arnault  is  with  me,  he  will  not  be  cordial,"  was  her 
thought. 

She  looked  around  for  her  father,  but  he,  nervous 
and  apprehensive,  had  disappeared.  lie  felt  that 
if  he  should  be  compelled  to  disclose  the  failure  of 
his  predictions,  she  would  pass  into  one  of  her 
sullen,  unmanageable  moods.  lie  feared  that  things 
were  beyond  his  control,  and  decided  to  let  the 
young  men  manage  for  themselves.  lie  was  not, 
however,  exceedingly  solicitous.  lie  hoped  that 
Arnault,  aided  by  the  influence  of  his  munificent 
offer,  would  have  the  skill  to  push  his  suit  to  a 
prompt  conclusion  ;  but  he  believed  that,  if  this 
suitor  should  be  dismissed,  (iraydon  would  not  fail 
his  daughter,  and  that  all  might  yet  end  well  for 
her,  and  perhaps  for  himself. 

The  supper-room  was  again  occupied  by  the  late 
comers,  man}'  of  whom  were  accompanied  by  their 
families  and  friends.  Mr.  Muir's  quiet  eyes  fairly 
beamed  over  the  group  gathered  at  his  table,  and 
he  felt  that  but  few  moments  of  his  life  compared 
with  those  now  passing.  Twenty- four  hours  before 
he  had  seen  himself  drifting  helplessly  on  a  lee 


384  A    YOUNG    GIRLS   WOOING. 

shore,  but  a  little  hand  had  taken  the  helm  when 
he  had  been  paralyzed,  and  now  he  saw  clear  sea- 
room  stretching  away  indefinitely,  with  a  turning 
tide  and  favoring  gales.  The  terrible  evils  threat 
ening  him  and  his  had  been  averted.  The  results 
of  his  life-work  would  not  be  swept  away,  his  idol- 
i/e'd  commercial  standing  could  now  be  maintained, 
his  wife's  brow  remain  unclouded  by  care,  his  chil 
dren  be  amply  provided  for,  Graydon  saved  from  a 
worse  fate  than  financial  disaster,  and,  last  but  not 
least,  the  young  fellow  would  be  cured  by  Madge 
of  all  future  tendencies  toward  the  Wildmere  type. 
He  never  could  think  of  this  hope  without  smiling 
to  himself.  He  had  at  last  obtained  the  explana 
tion  of  Madge's  effort  and  success.  By  the  supeib 
result  he  measured  the  strength  of  the  love  which 
had  led  to  it.  "Great  Scott!" — his  favorite  ex 
pletive, — he  had  thought  ;  "  what  a  compass  there 
is  in  her  nature  !  I  had  long  suspected  her  secret, 
but  when  I  touched  upon  it  last  night  she  made  my 
blood  tingle  by  her  magnificent  resentment.  I 
would  sooner  have  trifled  with  an  enraged  empress. 
Look  at  her  now,  smiling,  serene,  and,  although 

O  '  O 

not  in  the  least  artful,  keeping  all  her  secrets  with 
consummate  art.  Who  would  imagine  that  she  was 
capable  of  such  a  volcanic  outburst  ?  If  Graydon 
does  not  lay  siege  to  her  now,  the  name  of  the 
future  firm  should  be  Henry  Muir  and  idiot." 

That  sagacious  young  man  did  not  appear  at  all 
blighted  by  the  wreck  of  the  hope  he  had  cher 
ished.  He  turned  no  wistful  glances  toward  the 
girl  who  had  so  long  satisfied  his  eyes,  and,  as  he 


MADGE    IS  MATTER-OF-FACT.  385 

had  believed,  his  heart.  He  felt  much  the  same  as 
if  he  had  been  imposed  upon  by  a  cunning  disguise. 
Unknown  to  her,  he  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  what 
the  mask  concealed,  and  his  soul  was  shuddering  at 
the  deformities  to  which  he  had  so  nearly  allied 
himself.  Pier  very  beauty,  with  its  false  promise, 
had  become  hateful  to  him. 

She  is  indeed  a  speculator,"  he  thought,  "  and 
I'm  a  little  curious  to  see  how  she  will  continue  her 
game."  It  afforded  him  vindictive  amusement  that 
she  often,  yet  furtively,  turned  her  eyes  toward  him 
as  if  he  were  still  a  factor  in  it. 

She  never  looked  once  in  Graydon's  direction  but 
that  Arnault  was  aware  of  the  act.  There  was  no 
longer  any  menace  in  his  deportment  toward  her,— 
he  was  as  devoted  as  the  place  and  time  would 
permit,  —but  in  his  eyes  dwelt  a  vigilance  and  a 
resolution  which  should  have  given  her  warning. 

After  supper  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muir  found  a  comfort 
able  nook  on  the  piazza,  and  the  banker  smoked  his 
cigar  with  ineffable  content. 

Do  you  feel  too  tired  for  a  waltz,  Madge  ?" 
Gray  don  asked. 

The  idea  !  when  I've  rested  in  the  cars  half  a 
day." 

(.)  Madge  !"  he  whispered  ;  "  dear,  sweet  little 
friend,— you  know  I  mean  sister,  only  I  dare  not 
say  it, — I'm  so  glad  to  be  with  you  again  !  What 
makes  you  look  so  radiant  to-night  ?  You  look  as 
though  you  had  a  world  of  happy  thoughts  behind 
those  sparkling  eyes." 

Nonsense,  Gravdon  !      You   are   alwavs  imagin- 


3<S6  A    YOUNG   GIXL'S   IV DOING. 

ing  things.  I  have  youth,  good  health,  have  had 
my  supper, — a  trout  supper,  too,-— and  I  like  to 
dance,  just  as  a  bird  enjoys  flying." 

'  You  seem  a  bird-of-paradisc.  Happy  the  man 
who  coaxes  you  into  his  cage  !  Brother  or  not, 
when  your  beaux  become  too  attentive  they  will 
find  me  a  perfect  dragon  of  a  critic." 

'  When  I  meet  my  ideal,  you  shall  have  nothing 
to  say. " 

I  suppose  not.  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  where 
you  will  find  him. " 

I  sha'n't  find  him  ;   he  must  find  me." 

lie  will  be  an  idiot  if  he  doesn't.  Pardon  me 
if  I  clon't  dance  any  more  to-night.  I  have  had  a 
long  tramp  over  mountain  paths,  followed  by  a 
long,  rough  ride  in  a  farmer's  wagon,  and  now  have 
a  very  important  act  to  perform  before  I  sleep.  As 
a  proof  of  my  fraternal  —  I  mean  friendly — confi 
dence,  I  will  tell  you  what  it  is,  if  you  wish." 

I  don't  propose  to  fail  in  any  friendly  obliga 
tions,  Graydon,"  she  replied,  laughing,  as  they 
strolled  out  into  the  summer  night,  followed  by 
Miss  Wildmere's  half  desperate  eyes. 

As  they  walked  down  a  path,  Graydon  said. 
Take  my  arm  ;  the  pavement  is  a  little  rough. 
Dear  Madge,  you  look  divine  to-night.  Every  time 
1  see  you  my  wonder  increases  at  what  you  accom 
plished  out  on  the  Pacific  coast.  That  great, 
boundless,  sparkling  ocean  has  given  you  something 
of  its  own  nature. " 

Graydon,  you  must  be  more  sensible.  When  a 
fellow  takes  your  arm  you  don't  squeexe  it  against 


MADGE   IS   MATTER-OF-FACT.  387 

your  side   and   say,  '  Dear   Tom,'   '  Sweet    Dick,'  or 
Divine   Harry,'    no   matter   how  good  friends  they 
may  be.      Friends  don't  indulge  in  sentimental,  far 
fetched  compliments." 

I  certainly  never  did  with  any  friends  of  mine. 
On  this  very  walk  you  told  me  that  you  were  not 
my  sister,  and  added,  '  There  is  no  use  in  trying  to 
ignore  nature.'  See  how  true  this  last  assertion  is 
proving,  now  that  I  am  again  under  your  influence, 
and  so  enjoy  your  society  that  I  cannot  ignore 
nature.  During  all  those  years  when  you  were 
growing  from  childhood  to  womanhood  I  treated 
you  as  a  sister,  thought  of  you  as  such.  It  was 
nature,  or  rather  the  accord  of  two  natures,  that 
formed  and  cemented  the  tie,  and  not  an  accident 
of  birth.  Even  when  you  were  an  invalid,  and  I 
was  stupid  enough  to  call  you  '  lackadaisical,'  your 
presence  always  gave  me  pleasure.  Often  when  I 
had  been  out  all  the  evening  I  would  say,  with  vex 
ation,  '  I  wish  I  had  stayed  at  home  with  the  little 
ghost.'  How  you  used  to  order  me  about  and 
tyrannize  over  me  from  your  sofa  when  you  were 
half  child  and  half  woman  !  I  can  say  honestly, 
Madge,  it  was  never  a  bore  to  me,  for  you  had  an 
odd,  piquant  way  of  saying  and  doing  things  that 
always  amused  me  ;  your  very  weakness  was  an 
appeal  to  my  strength,  and  a  claim  upon  it.  You 
always  appeared  to  have  a  sister's  affection  for  im\ 
and  your  words  and  manner  proved  that  1  brought 
some  degree  of  brightness  into  your  shadowed  life. 
In  learning  to  love  you  as  a  sister  in  all  those  years, 
wherein  did  I  iinioiv  nature.-'  During  mv  absence 


388  A    YOU.YG   GIRL'S   WOO1XG. 

my  feelings  did  not  change  in  the  least,  as  I  proved 
by  my  attempts  at  correspondence,  by  my  greeting 
when  \ve  met.  Then  you  perplexed  and  worried 
me  more  than  you  would  believe,  and  I  imagined 
all  sorts  of  ridiculous  things  about  you  ;  but  on  that 
drive,  after  your  vigil  with  that  poor,  dying  girl,  I 
felt  that  I  understood  you  fully  at  last.  Indeed, 
ever  since  your  rescue  of  the  little  Wilder  child 
from  drowning  my  old  feelings  have  been  coming- 
back  with  tenfold  force.  I  can't  help  thinking  of 
you,  of  being  proud  of  you.  I  give  you  my  confi 
dence  to-night  just  as  naturally  and  unhesitatingly 
as  if  we  had  been  rocked  in  the  same  cradle.  I  am 
not  wearying  you  with  this  long  explanation  and 
preamble  ?' ' 

No,  Graydon,"  she  replied,  in  a  low  tone. 

I  am  very  glad.  I  don't  think  well  of  myself 
to-night  at  all,  and  I  have  a  very  humiliating  con 
fession  to  make,  —  one  that  I  could  make  only  to 
such  a  sister  as  you  are,  or  rather  would  have  been, 
were  there  a  natural  tie  between  us.  I  would  not 
tell  any  Tom,  Dick,  and  Harry  friends  in  the  world 
what  1  shall  now  make  known  to  you.  If  I  didn't 
trust  you  so,  I  wouldn't  speak  of  it,  for  what  I  shall 
say  involves  Henry  as  well  as  myself.  Madge,  I'\  e 
been  duped,  I've  been  made  both  a  fool  and  a  tool, 
and  the  consequences  might  have  been  grave  in 
deed.  Henry,  who  has  so  much  quiet  sagacity,  has 
in  some  way  obtained  information  that  proved  of 
immense  importance  to  him,  and  absolutely  vital  to 
me.  I  shudder  when  I  think  of  what  might  have 
happened,  and  I  am  overwhelmed  with  gratitude 


MADGE    AY   MATTER-OF-FACT.  389 

when  I  think  of  my  escape.  I  told  you  that  Miss 
\Yildmere  was  humoring  that  fello\v  Arnault  to  save 
her  father,  and  consequently  her  mother  and  the 
child.  This  impression,  which  was  given  me  so 
skilfully,  and  at  last  confirmed  by  plain  words,  was 
utterly  false.  Henry  has  been  in  financial  danger  ; 
\Yildmere  knew  it,  and  he  also  knew  that  Arnault 
had  lent  Henry  money,  which  to-day  was  called  in 
with  the  hope  of  breaking  him  down.  They  would 
have  succeeded,  too,  had  he  not  had  resources  of 
which  they  knew  nothing.  You,  of  course,  can't 
realize  how  essential  a  little  ready  money  some 
times  is  in  a  period  of  financial  depression  ;  but 
Henry  left  a  note  which  gave  me  an  awful  shock, 
while,  at  the  same  time,  it  made  clear  Miss  Wild- 
mere's  scheme.  She  had  simply  put  me  off,  that 
she  might  hear  from  Wall  Street.  If  Henry  had 
failed  she  would  have  decided  for  Arnault,  and  I 
believe  my  attentions  led  to  his  tricky  transaction, 
---tha-t  he  lent  the  money  and  called  it  in  when  lie 
believed  that  Henry  could  not  meet  his  demand.  I 
must  be  put  out  of  his  way,  for  he  reasoned  justly 
that  the  girl  would  drop  me  if  impoverished.  Thus 
indirectly  I  might  have  caused  Henry's  failure,-  a 
blow  from  which  I  should  never  have  recovered. 
Henry  is  safe  now,  he  assures  me  ;  ami,  ()  Madge, 
thank  God,  I  have  found  her  out  before  it  was  too 
late  !  I  had  full}'  resolved  while  off  trouting  that  I 
would  break  with  her  finally  if  I  found  Arnault  at 
her  side  again.  Now  he  may  marry  her,  for  all  I 
care,  and  I  wish  him  no  worse  punishment.  I  shall 
go  to  mv  room  now  and  write  to  her  that  cverv- 


39°  .•/    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOLVG. 


is  over  between  us.  The  fact  is,  Madge,  you 
spoiled  Miss  \Vildmere  for  me  on  that  morning 
drive  the  other  day.  After  leaving  your  society 
and  going"  into  hers  I  felt  the  difference  keenly,  and 
while  I  should  then  have  fulfilled  the  obligations 
which  I  had  so  stupidly  incurred,  1  had  little  heart 
in  the  affair.  Her  acting  was  consummate,  but  a 
true  woman's  nature  had  been  revealed  to  me,  and 
the  glamour  was  gone  from  the  false  one.  No\\ 
you  see  what  absolute  confidence  I  repose  in  you. 
and  how  heavily  this  strange  story  bears  against 
myself.  Could  I  have  given  it  to  any  one  for 
whom  I  had  not  a  brother's  love,  and  in  whom  1 
did  not  hope  to  find  a  sister's  gentle  charity  ?  1 
show  you  how  unspent  is  the  force  of  all  those 
years  when  we  had  scarcely  a  thought  which  we 
could  not  tell  each  other.  I  have  little  claim. 
though,  to  be  a  protecting  brother,  when  I  have 
been  making  such  an  egregious  fool  of  myself.  You 
have  grown  wiser  and  stronger  than  I.  You  won't 
think  very  harshly  of  me,  will  you,  Madge?" 
No,  Graydon." 

"  And  you  won't  condemn  my  fraternal  affection 
as  contrary  to  nature  ?" 

She  was  sorely  at  a  loss.  She  had  listened  with 
quickened  breath,  a  fluttering  pulse,  and  in  a  grow 
ing  tumult  of  hope  and  fear,  to  this  undisguised 
revelation  of  his  attitude  toward  her.  She  almost 
thought  that  she  detected  between  the  lines,  as  it 

o 

were,  the  beginning  of  a  different  regard.  lie  be 
lieved  that  he  had  been  frankness  itself,  and  his 
words  proved  that  he  looked  upon  his  fraternal 


AT  A  IK',  R    /.V    MATTER-OF-FACT.  391 

affection  and  confidence  as  the  natural,  the  almost 
inevitable,  sequence  of  the  past.  She  could  not 
meet  him  on  the  fraternal  ground  that  he  was  taking 
again,  nor  did  she  wish  him  to  occupy  it  in  his  own 
mind.  To  maintain  the  attitude  which  she  had 
adopted  would  require  as  much  delicacy  as  firmness 
of  action,  or  he  would  begin  to  query  why  she  could 
not  go  back  to  their  old  relations  as  readily  as  he 
could.  She  had  listened  to  the  twice-told  tale  of 
the  events  of  the  past  few  days  with  almost  breath 
less  interest,  because  his  words  revealed  the  work 
ings  of  his  own  mind,  and  she  had  not  the  least  in 
tention  of  permitting  him  to  settle  down  into  the 
tranquil  affection  of  a  brother. 

While  she    hesitated,    he   asked,    gently,  "  Don't 
you  feel  a  little  of  your  old  sisterly  love  for  me  ?" 
No,    Graydon,    I    do   not,"    she   replied,  boldly. 

I  suppose  you  will  think  me  awfully  matter-of- 
fact.  I  love  Mary  as  my  sister,  I  have  the  strong 
est  esteem  and  affection  for  Henry  as  my  brother- 
in-law,  and  I  like  you  for  just  what  you  are  to  me, 
neither  more  nor  less.  The  truth  is,  Graydon, 
when  I  woke  up  from  my  old  limp,  shadow}-  life 
I  had  to  look  at  everything  just  as  it  was,  and  I 
have  formed  the  habit  of  so  doing.  I  think  it  is  the 
best  way.  You  did  not  see  Miss  Wildmere  as  she 
was,  but  as  you  imagined  her  to  be,  and  you  blame 
yourself  too  severe!)'  because  you  acted  as  you  nat 
ural!)'  would  toward  a  girl  for  whom  you  had  so 
high  a  regard.  When  we  stick-  to  the  actual,  we 
escape  mistakes  and  embarrassment.  Every  one 
knows  that  we  are  not  brother  and  sister  ;  every  one 


39  2  A 

would  admit  our  right  to  be  very  good  friends.  1 
have  listened  to  you  with  the  deep  and  honest  sym 
pathy  that  is  perfectly  natural  to  our  relations.  I 
think  the  better  of  you  for  what  you  have  told  me, 
but  I'm  too  dreadfully  matter-of-fact,"  she  con 
cluded,  beginning  to  laugh,  "  to  do  anything  more.'' 

I  Ie  sighed  deeply. 

"  Now,  there  is  no  occasion  for  that  sigh,  Gray- 
don.  Recall  that  morning  drive  to  which  you  have 
alluded.  What  franker,  truer  friendship  could  you 
ask  than  I  gave  evidence  of  then  ?  Come  now,  be 
sensible.  You  live  too  much  in  the  present  mo 
ment,  and  yield  to  your  impulses.  Miss  YVildmere 
was  a  delusion  and  a  snare,  but  there  are  plenty  of 
true  women  in  the  world.  Some  day  you  will  meet 
the  right  one.  She  won't  object  to  your  friends, 
but  she  probably  would  to  sisters  who  are  not  sis 
ters." 

Graydon  laughed  a  little  bitterly  as  he  said,  "  So 
you  imagine  that  after  my  recent  experience  I  shall 
soon  be  making  love  to  another  girl  ?" 

'  Why  not?  Because  Miss  \Yildmcre  is  a  fraud 
do  you  intend  to  spite  yourself  by  letting  some  fair, 
true  girl  pass  by  unheeded  ?  That  might  be  to 
permit  the  fraud  to  injure  you  almost  as  much  as  if 
she  had  married  you." 

Me  burst  out  laughing,  as  he  exclaimed,  "  Well, 
your  head  is  level." 

"  Certainly  it  is.  My  head  is  all  right,  even 
though  I  have  not  much  heart,  as  you  believe.  I 
told  you  I  could  be  a  good  fellow,  and  I  don't  pro 
pose  to  indulge  you  in  sentiment  about  what  is  past 


and  gone, — natural  and  true  as  it  \vas  at  the  time, 
— or  in  cynicism  for  the  future.  I  shall  dance  at 
your  wedding,  and  you  won't  be  gray,  either. 
Come  ;  the  music  has  ceased,  and  it  must  be  almost 
Sunday  morning. " 

Very  well.  On  the  day  when  you  rightly 
boxed  my  ears,  and  I  asked  you  to  make  your  own 
terms  of  peace,  I  resolved  to  submit  to  even-thing 
and  anything. " 

'You    don't  'stay  put,'   is  the    trouble.      Did   T 
look  and  act  so  very  cross  that  morning?" 

You  looked  magnificent,  and  you  spoke  with 
such  just  eloquent  indignation  that  you  made  my 
blood  tingle.  No,  mv  brave,  true  friend,  —  I  may 

o  -<  - 

say  that,  mayn't  I  ? — it  was  not  a  little  thing  for 
you  to  go  away  alone  to  fight  so  heroic  a  battle  and 
achieve  such  a  victory  ;  and,  Madge,  I  honor  you 
with  the  best  homage  of  my  heart.  You  have 
taught  me  how  to  meet  trouble  when  it  comes." 

As  they  went  up  the  steps,  .Arnault,  with  a  pale, 
stern  face,  and  looking  neither  to  the  right  nor  to 
the  left,  passed  them  and  strode  away. 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 

THE    END    OF    DIPLOMACY. 

MR.  ARNAULT'S  manner  as  he  passed  struck 
both     Graydon     and     Madge     as    indicating 
strong-  feeling   and   stern   purpose.      In    order  to  ac 
count  for  his  action,  it  is  necessary  to  go  back  in  our 

**  o 

history  for  a  short  period.  While  Madge  \vas  re 
ceiving  such  rich  compensation  for  having  become 
simply  what  she  was,  Miss  Wildmere  had  been 
gathering  the  rewards  of  diplomacy.  As  \ve  have 
seen,  she  had  reached  the  final  conclusion  that  if  Mr. 
Muir  did  not  fail  that  day  she  would  accept  Gray 
don  at  once  ;  and,  during  its  earlier  hours,  she  had 
been  complacency  itself,  feeling  that  everything  was 
now  in  her  own  hands.  Mr.  Muir's  appearance  and 
manner  the  previous  evening  had  nearly  convinced 
her  that  he  was  in  no  financial  difficulties  whatever, 
— that  her  father  and  Mr.  Arnault  were  either  mis 
taken  or  else  were  deceiving  her.  ;<  If  the  latter  is 
the  case,"  she  had  thought,  "  they  have  so  bungled 
as  to  enable  me  to  test  the  truth  of  their  words 
within  twenty-four  hours. 

"  I  am  virtually  certain,"  she  said,  with  an  exul 
tant  smile,  "that  I  shall  be  engaged  to  Graydon 
Muir  before  1  sleep  to-night." 


THE   EXD    OF   DIPLOMACY.  395 

In  the  afternoon  it  began  to  trouble  her  that 
Graydon  had  not  appeared.  As  the  hours  passed 
she  grew  anxious,  and  with  the  shadow  of  night 
there  fell  a  chill  on  her  heart  and  hope.  This 
passed  into  alarm  when  at  last  Graydon  arrived  with 
his  brother  and  Madge,  and  greeted  her  with  the 
cold  recognition  that  has  been  described.  She  had 
met  Mr.  Arnault  cordially  at  first,  because  there  were 
still  possibilities  in  his  favor  ;  but  when  her  lather 
promptly  disappeared,  with  the  evident  purpose  to 
avoid  questions,  and  Air.  Muir  and  his  family  at 
supper  gave  evidence  of  superb  spirits  instead  of 
trouble,  she  saw  that  she  had  been  duped,  or,  in  any 
case,  misled.  Her  anger  and  worry  increased  mo 
mentarily,  especially  since  Graydon,  beyond  a  little 
furtive  observation,  completely  ignored  her.  She 
naturally  ascribed  his  course  to  resentment  at  her 
first  greeting  of  Arnault,  his  continued  presence  at 
her  side,  and  the  almost  deferential  manner  with 
which  he  was  treated  by  her  father,  who  had  joined 
his  family  at  supper,  when  no  queries  could  be 
made. 

I'll  prove  to  Graydon  by  my  manner  that  I  am 
for  him,"  was  her  thought;  but  he  either  did  not 
or  would  net  see  her  increasing  coldness  toward 
Arnault. 

Her  purpose  and  tactics  were  all  observed  and 
thoroughly  understood  by  the  latter,  however,  but 
he  gave  few  obvious  signs  of  the  fact.  In  his 
words,  tones,  compliments  he  proved  that  he  was 
making  good  all  that  he  had  promised  ;  but  the 
changing  expression  in  his  eyes  grew  so  ominous 


3 9 ^  ^    YOUNG   C/A'L'S   IVOOJXC. 

that    Mr.  Wild  mo  re   saw  his   suppressed   anger  with 
alarm. 

Miss  Wildmerc  felt  sure  that  before  the  evening 
was  over  she  could  convey  to  Graydon  her  decision, 
and  chafed  every  moment  over  the  leisurely  supper 
that  Mr.  Arnault  persisted  in  making,  especially  as 
she  saw  that  it  was  not  his  appetite  that  detained 
him.  The  Muir  group  had  passed  out,  and  to  leave 
him  and  her  father  would  not  only  be  an  act  of 
rudeness,  but  also  would  appear  like  open  pursuit 
of  Graydon.  When  at  last  she  reached  the  parlor, 
to  decline  Arnault's  invitation  to  dance  would  be 
scarcely  less  than  an  insult  ;  yet,  witli  intensifying 
anger  and  fear,  she  sa\v  that  circumstances  were 
compelling  her  to  appear  as  if  she  had  disregarded 
Graydon 's  warnings  and  expectations.  So  far  from 
being  dismissed,  Arnault  was  the  one  whom  she  had 
first  greeted  and  to  whom  she  \vas  no\v  giving  the 
evening. 

While  she  was  dancing  with  Arnault,  Graydon, 
with  Madge,  appeared  upon  the  floor.  She  was 
almost  reckless  in  her  efforts  to  secure  his  attention. 
In  this  endeavor  she  did  not  fail,  but  she  failed  sig 
nal!}'  in  winning  any  recognition,  and  the  ill-con 
cealed  importunity  of  her  eyes  hastened  Graydon 's 
departure  with  Madge,  and  gave  time  for  the  long 
interview  described  in  the  previous  chapter.  She 
grew  cold  with  dread.  It  was  the  impulse  of  her 
self-pleasing  nature  to  want  that  most  which  seemed 
the  most  denied,  and  she  reasoned,  "lie  is  angry 
because  Arnault  is  at  my  side  as  usual,  in  spite  of  all 
lie  said.  Me  is  determined  to  bring  me  to  a  decision. 


THE   END    OF  DIPLOMACY.  397 

and  won't  approach  me  at  Arnault's  side.  Vet  I 
dare  not  openly  shake  Arnault  off,  and  he's  so  at 
tentive  that  I  must  do  it  openly  if  at  all.  Gray- 
don's  manner  was  so  very  strange  and  cold  that  I 
feel  that  I  should  do  something  to  conciliate  him  at 
once  ;  and  yet  how  can  I  when  Arnault  is  bent  upon 
monopolizing  the  whole  evening  ?  He  gives  me  no 
chance  to  leave  him  unless  I  am  guilty  of  the  shame 
ful  rudeness  of  telling  him  to  leave  me.  Oh,  if  I 
could  only  see  Graydon  alone,  even  for  a  moment  !" 
Arnault  was  indeed  a  curious  study,  and  yet  he 
was  acting  characteristically.  He  had  virtually 
given  up  hope  of  ever  winning  Stella  Wildmere. 
He  had  wooed  devotedly,  offered  wealth,  and  played 
his  final  card,  and  in  each  had  failed.  When  he  left 
the  city  he  still  had  hope  that  his  promise  of  imme 
diate  wealth  and  Mr.  Wildinere's  necessity  and  in 
fluence  might  turn  the  scale  in  his  favor  ;  and  he- 
believed  that  having  secured  her  decision  she,  as  a 
woman  of  the  world,  would  grow  content  and  happy 
in  the  future  that  he  could  provide  for  her.  But, 
be  his  fate  what  it  might,  both  his  pride  and  his 
peculiar  sense  of  honor  made  it  imperative  that  he 
should  be  her  suitor  until  the  time  stipulated  for  his 
answer  should  expire.  Up  to  twelve  o'clock  that 
night  he  would  not  give  her  the  slightest  cause  for 
resentment  or  even  complaint.  Then  his  obliga 
tion  to  her  ceased  utterly,  and  she  knew  that  il 
would. 

He  had  been  irritated  and  despondent  ever  since 
Mr.  Muir,  through  Madge's  aid,  had  so  signally 
checkmated  him.  But  Stella's  gieeting  had  reus 


398  A    YOUXG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

surcd  him,  and  Graydon's  manner  toward  her  gave 
the  impression  that  she  had  not  been  extending 
encouragement  to  him.  This  promising  aspect  of 
affairs  speedily  began  to  pass  a\vay,  however,  when 
he  saw  her  step  to  Graydon's  side  and  ask  if  he  was 
not  going  to  shake  hands  with  her.  lie  knew  how 
proud  the  girl  was,  and  by  this  high  standard  meas 
ured  the  strength  of  the  regard  which  impelled  to 
this  advance.  lie  had  since  noted  ever}'  effort  that 
she  had  made  to  secure  Graydon's  attention,  and 
the  truth  became  perfectly  clear.  She  had  utterly 
lost  faith  in  his  and  her  father's  predictions  of  finan 
cial  disaster  to  Henry  Muir,  and  would  accept  Gray- 
don  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  lie  saw  that  his 
defeat  in  Wall  Street  insured  his  defeat  in  the  Cats- 
kills,  and  feared  that  Graydon  had  guessed  his 
strategy,  and,  therefore,  would  not  approach  the  girl 
while  he  was  at  her  side.  There  was  no  use  in  his 
playing  lover  any  longer, — he  had  no  desire  to  do 
so,  —  for  even  he  now  so  clearly  recognized  the  mer 
cenary  spirit  which  might  have  brought  her  to  his 
arms,  that  such  manhood  as  he  had  revolted  at  it. 
If  she  had  given  him  her  hand  it  would  have  been 
secured  purely  through  a  financial  trick,  and  even 
his  Wall  Street  soul  experienced  a  revulsion  of  dis 
gust  at  the  thought  of  a  wife  thus  obtained.  If  he- 
could  have  detected  a  little  sentiment  toward  him, 
some  kindly  regret  that  she  could  not  reward  his 
long-continued  and  unstinted  devotion,  he  would 
have  parted  from  her  more  in  sorrow  than  in  anger  ; 
but  now  he  knew  that  she  was  wild  to  escape  from 
him,  that  she  would  instantly  break  her  promise  not 


THE   END    OF   DIPLOMACY.  399 

to  accept  Muir  before  the  close  of  the  week,  and,  to 
his  punctilious  business  mind,  the  week  did  not  end 
until  twelve  o'clock  Saturday  night. 

\Yith  a  sort  of  grim  vindictiveness  he  had  mut 
tered,  "  She  shall  keep  her  promise.  Neither  she 
nor  Muir  shall  be  happy  till  my  time  has  expired." 

Later  in  the  evening,  Graydon  not  returning,  the 
thought  occurred  to  Arnault,  "  Perhaps  he  too  has 
recognized  the  sharp  game  she  has  played, — perhaps 
Henry  Muir  has  said  to  him,  '  She  has  been  putting 
you  off  to  see  the  result  of  the  sudden  calling  in  of 
Arnault's  loan,'  and  now  young  Muir  proposes  to 
console  himself  with  that  handsome  Miss  Alden  ;" 
and  a  gleam  of  pleasure  at  the  prospect  illumined  his 
face  for  a  moment.  Meanwhile  he  maintained  his 
mask  before  the  world  so  admirably  that  even  Miss 
Wildmere  little  guessed  the  depth  of  his  revolt.  1  Ie 
was  the  last  one  to  reveal  his  bitter  disappointment 
ami  humiliating  defeat  to  the  vigilant  gossips  of  the 
house.  Those  who  saw  his  smiling  face  and  gallant 
ries,  and  heard  his  bree/.y,  half-cynical  words,  little 
guessed  the  storm  within.  He  had  been  taught  in 
the  best  school  in  the  world  how  to  say  and  look 
one  thing  and  mean  another. 

At    last    an    acquaintance    approached,  and    said, 

Pardon  me,  Mr.  Arnault,  but  1  don't  propose  to 
permit  you  to  monopoli/.e  Miss  Wildmere  all  the 
evening;"  and  then  asked  for  the  next  dance. 

Stella  complied  instant!}',  thinking,  "Graydon 
ma}'  return  now  at  any  moment,  and  it  he  sees  that 
1  am  not  with  Arnault  will  come  to  me,  as  usual." 

Arnault   bowed   politely,  looked  at  his  watch,  and 


400  A    YOUNG    G/A'L'S   WOO  IXC. 

invited  another  lady  to  dance.  Stella  had  been  on 
the  floor  but  a  few  moments  when  not  Graydon, 
but  her  father  came  and  said  to  her  partner,  "  Ex 
cuse  me,  sir.  I  wish  to  speak  to  my  daughter." 

Requesting  her  companion  to  wait,  she  followed 
Mr.  Wildmere  through  an  open  window,  and  when 
on  the  piazza  he  took  her  hand  and  put  it  within 
his  arm  with  a  firmness  that  permitted  no  resist 
ance.  Arnault  noted  the  proceeding  with  a  cynical 
smile. 

"Stella,"  said  her  father,  in  a  low,  stern  tone, 
"  did  you  not  promise  Mr.  Arnault  his  answer  this 
evening  ?" 

"  Answer  my  question  first,"  she  replied,  bitterly. 
:<  Did  Henry  Muir  fail  to-day?  Of  course  he  did 
not.  You  have  been  deceiving  me." 

I  did  not  deceive  you — I  was  mistaken  myself. 
But  I  warn  you.  Graydon  Muir  is  not  at  your  side. 
He  may  not  return.  Arnault  is  waiting  to  give  you 
wealth  and  me  safety,  but  he  may  not  wait  much 
longer.  You  are  taking  worse  risks  than  I  ever  in 
curred  in  the  street,  and  your  loss  may  be  greater 
than  any  I  have  met  with." 

'  Bah  !"  she  replied,  in  anger.  "  I  might  have 
been  engaged  to  Graydon  Muir  this  moment  had  I 
not  listened  to  your  croakings.  I'll  manage  for 
myself  now  ;"  and  she  broke  away  and  joined  her 
partner  again. 

After  the  dance  was  over  she  said,  "  Suppose  we 
walk  on  the  piazza  ;  I'm  warm."  She  was  cold 
and  trembling.  Arnault  took  his  stand  in  the  main 
hall,  where  he  and  she  could  see  the  clock  should 


THE   END    OF  DIPLOMACY.  401 

she  approach  him  again.  The  last  hour  was  rapidly 
passing.  Miss  Wildrnere  and  her  attendant  strolled 
leisurely  the  whole  length  of  the  piazza,  but  Gray- 
don  was  not  to  be  seen.  Then  she  led  him  through 
a  hall  whence  she  could  glance  into  the  reception 
and  reading  rooms.  The  quest  was  futile,  and  she 
passed  Arnault  unhecdingly  into  the  parlor,  saying 
that  she  was  tired,  and  with  her  companion  sat 
down  where  they  could  be  seen  from  the  doorway 
and  windows.  But  he  thought  her  singularly  dis 
traite  in  her  effort  to  maintain  conversation. 

"Oh,"  she  thought,  "he  will  come  soon — he 
must  come  soon  !  I  must- — I  must  see  him  before  1 
retire  !" 

Arnault  meantime  maintained  his  position  in  the 
hall,  chatting  and  laughing  with  an  acquaintance. 
She  could  see  him,  and  there  was  little  in  his  manner 
to  excite  apprehension.  He  occasionally  looked 
toward  her,  but  she  tried  to  appear  absorbed  in  con 
versation  with  the  man  whom  she  puzzled  by  her  ran 
dom  words.  Arnault  also  saw  that  her  eyes  rested 
in  swift,  eager  scrutiny  on  every  one  who  entered 
from  without,  and  .that  the  two  hands  of  the  clock 
were  pointing  closely  toward  midnight. 

The  parlor  was  becoming  deserted.  Those  whom 
the  beauty  of  the  night  had  lured  without  were 
straggling  in.  The  man  at  her  side  was  growing 
curious  and  interested,  and  he  determined  to  main 
tain  his  position  as  long  as  she  would. 

He  was  detained  but  little  longer.  The  clock 
soon  chimed  midnight.  Arnault  gave  her  a  brief, 
cold  look,  turned  on  his  heel  and  went  out,  passing 


402  A    YOUNG   GILL'S  WOOING. 

Gray  don  and  Madge,  who  were  at  that  moment  as 
cending  the  steps. 

"Oh,  pardon  me,"  said  Miss  \Vildmere,  fairly 
trembling  with  dread  ;  "  I  had  no  idea  it  was  so 
late  !"  and  she  bowed  her  companion  away  in 
stantly.  At  that  moment  she  saw  Graydon  enter 
ing,  and  she  went  to  the  parlor  door  ;  but  he  passed 
her  without  apparent  notice,  and  bade  Madge  a  cor 
dial  good-night  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs.  As  he  was 
turning  away  Miss  \Yildmere  was  at  his  side. 

"  Mr.  Muir — Graydon,"  she  said,  in  an  eager  tone, 

I  wish  to  speak  with  you." 

He  bowed  very  politely,  and  answered,  in  a  voice 
that  she  alone  could  hear,  "  You  will  receive  a  note 
from  me  at  your  room  within  half  an  hour."  Then, 
bowing  again,  he  walked  rapidly  away. 

She  saw  from  his  grave  face  and  unsympathetic 
eyes  that  she  had  lost  him. 

Half  desperate,  and  with  the  instinct  of  self-pres 
ervation,  she  passed  out  on  the  piazza  to  bid 
Arnault  good-night,  as  she  tried  to  assure  herself, 
with  pallid  lips,  but  read}7  then  ;it  last  to  take  any 
terms  from  him.  Arnault  was.  not  to  be  seen. 
After  a  moment  her  father  stepped  to  her  side  and 
said  : 

"  Stella,  it  is  late.       You  had  better  retire." 

"  I  wish  to  say  good-night  to  Mr.  Arnault,"  she 
faltered. 

"  Mr.  Arnault  has  gone." 

"  Gone  where  ?"  she  gasped. 

"  I  don't  know.  As  the  clock  struck  twelve  he 
came  rapidly  out  and  walked  away.  He  passed  by 


THE   EXD    OF  DI^LO^[ACY.  403 

me,  but   \vould   not   answer   when    I   spoke  to  him. 
Come,  let  me  take  you  to  your  room." 

With  a  chill  at  heart  almost  like  that  of  death  she 
went  with  him,  and  sat  down  pale  and  speechless. 

In  a  few  moments  a  note  was  brought  to  Mr. 
Wildmere's  door,  and  he  took  it  to  his  daughter. 
She  could  scarcely  open  it  with  her  nerveless  fin 
gers,  and  when  she  read  the  brief  words  : 

'  Miss  WII.DMERE  :  You  must  permit  me  to 
renounce  all  claims  upon  you  now  and  forever. 
Memory  and  your  own  thoughts  will  reveal  to  you 
the  obvious  reasons  for  my  action, 

"  GKAYDON  MUIR," 

she  found  a  brief  respite   from   the   results   of  her 
diplomacy  in  unconsciousness. 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

ISROKKN    LIGHTS    AND    SHADOWS. 

MR.  WILDMERE  looked  almost  ten  years 
older  when  he  came  clown  to  what  he  sup 
posed  would  be  a  solitary  breakfast  ;  but  something 
like  hope  and  gladness  reappeared  on  his  haggard 
face  when  he  saw  Arnault  at  his  table  as  usual.  lie 
scarcely  knew  how  he  would  be  received,  but 
Arnault  was  as  affable  and  courteous  as  he  would 
have  been  months  previous,  and  no  one  in  the 
breakfast-room  would  have  imagined  that  anything 
had  occurred  to  disturb  the  relations  between  the 
two  gentlemen.  He  inquired  politely  after  the 
ladies,  expressed  regret  that  they  were  indisposed, 
and  changed  the  subject  in  a  tone  and  manner  natu 
ral  to  a  mere  acquaintance. 

Although  his  courtesy  would  appear  faultless  to 
observers,  it  made  Wildmere  shiver. 

Mr.  Arnault,"  Mr.  Wildmere  said,  a  little  ner 
vously,  as  they  left  the  breakfast-room,  "  may  1 
speak  with  you  ?" 

"Certainly,"  replied  Arnault,  with  cool  polite 
ness,  and  he  followed  Mr.  Wildmere  to  a  deserted 
part  of  the  pia/./a. 


405 

'  You  made  a  very  kind   and    liberal   offer   to  my 
daughter,"  the  latter  began. 

And  received  my  final  answer  last  night,"  was 
the  cold,  decisive  reply.  '  It  would  be  impossible 
to  imagine  more  definite  assurance  that  Miss  \Yild- 
mere  has  no  regard  for  me  than  was  given  within 
the  time  I  stipulated.  I  have  accepted  such  assur 
ance  as  final.  Good-morning,  sir,"  and  with  a 
polite  bow  he  turned  on  his  heel  and  went  to  his 
room. 

Mr.  Wildmere  afterward  learned  that  he  took  the 
first  train  to  New  York. 

"Arnault  has  a  clear  field  now,"  Grayclon  had 
thought,  cynically,  while  at  breakfast.  '  I  can 
scarcely  wish  him  anything  worse  than  success;" 
and  then  he  looked  complacently  around  the  family 
group  to  which  he  belonged,  and  felicitated  himself 
that  Wildmere  traits  were  conspicuously  absent. 
I  lis  eyes  dwelt  oftenest  on  Madge.  At  this  early 
meal  she  always  made  him  think  of  a  flower  with 
the  morning  dew  upon  it.  Even  her  evening  cos 
tumes  were  characterized  by  quiet  elegance  ;  but 
during  the  earlier  hours  of  the  da}-  she  dressed  with 
a  simplicity  that  was  almost  severe,  and  yet  with 
such  good  taste,  such  harmony  witli  herself,  that  the 
eye  of  the  observer  was  always  rested  and  satisfied. 
Gentlemen  who  saw  her  would  rare!}'  fail  to  speak 
about  her  afterward  ;  few  would  ever  mention  her 
dress.  Miss  Wildmere  affected  daintiness  and 
style  ;  Madge  sought  in  the  most  quiet  and  modest 
way  to  emphasize  her  own  individuality.  As  far  as 
possible  she  wished  to  be  valued  for  what  .she 


406  A    YOUXG    GIXL'S   IVOOIXG. 

actually  was.  The  very  fact  that  there  was  so 
much  in  her  life  that  must  be  hidden  led  to  a 
strong  distaste  for  all  that  was  misleading  in  non- 
essentials. 

I  am  going  to  church  with  you  to-day,"  said 
Graydon,  "  and  I  shall  try  to  behave." 

Try  to  !  You  cannot  sit  with  me  unless  you 
promise  to  behave." 

'That  is  the  way  to  talk  to  men,"  said  Mrs. 
Muir,  who  was  completely  under  her  husband's 
thumb.  '  They  like  you  all  the  better  for  showing 
some  spirit." 

I  am  not  trying  to  make  Graydon  like  me  bet 
ter,  but  only  to  insure  that  he  spends  Sunday  as 
should  a  good  American." 

'  There  is  no  longer  any  '  better  '  about  my  liking 
for  Madge.  It's  all  best.  I  admit,  however,  that 
she  has  so  much  spirit  that  she  inspires  unaffected 
awe." 

"  A  roundabout  way  of  calling  me  awful." 
"  Since  you   won't   ride   or  drive  with  me  to-day, 
are  you  too  '  awfully  good,'   as   Harry  says,  to  take 
a  walk  after  dinner?" 

11  It  depends  on  how  you  behave  in  church." 
They  spent  the  afternoon  in  a  very  different  man 
ner,  however,  for  soon  after  breakfast  Dr.  Sommers 
told  them  that  Tilly  Wendall  was  at  rest,  and  that 
the  funeral  would  be  that  afternoon. 

With  Dr.  Sommers's  tidings  Graydon  saw  that  a 
shadow  had  fallen  on  Madge's  face,  and  his  manner 
at  once  became  gravely  and  gently  considerate. 
There  were  allusions  to  the  dead  girl  in  the  service 


/>Yi'<9A~A.V  LIGHTS  AXD    SHADOWS.  407 

at  the  chapel,  where  she  had  been  an  attendant,  and 
Gray  don  sa\v  half-shed  tears  in  Madge's  eyes  more 
than  once. 

She  drove  out  with  him  in  the  lovely  summer 
afternoon  to  the  gray  old  farmhouse.  The  thoughts 
of  each  were  busy — they  had  not  much  to  say  to 
each  other— -and  Madge  was  grateful  for  his  quiet 
consideration  for  her  mood.  It  was  another  proof 
that  the  man  she  loved  had  not  a  shallow,  coarse- 
fibred  nature.  With  all  his  strength  he  could  be  a 
gentle,  sympathetic  presence — thinking  of  her  first, 
thoughtfully  respecting  her  unspoken  wishes,  and 
not  a  garrulous  egotist. 

He  in  turn  wondered  at  his  o\vn  deep  content 
and  at  the  strange  and  unexpected  turn  that  his 
affairs  had  taken.  He  not  only  dwelt  on  what  had 
happened,  but  on  what  might  have  happened,-- 
what  he  had  hoped  for  and  sought  to  attain.  He 
remembered  with  shame  that  he  had  even  wished 
that  Madge  had  not  been  at  the  resort,  so  that  he 
might  be  less  embarrassed  in  his  suit  to  Miss  \Vild- 
mere.  From  his  first  waking  moment  in  the  morn 
ing  he  had  been  conscious  of  an  immeasurable  sense 
of  relief  at  his  escape.  lie  felt  no\v  that  he  had 
never  deeply  loved  Miss  Wildmerc,— that  she  had 
never  touched  the  best  feelings  of  his  heart,  because 
not  capable  of  doing  so.  But  he  had  admired  her. 
lie  had  been  a  devotee  of  society,  ami  she  had  been 
to  him  the  beautiful  culmination  of  that  phase  of 
life.  1  le  saw  he  had  endowed  her  with  the  wom 
anly  qualities  which  would  make  her  the  light  of  a 
home  as  well  as  of  the  ball-room,  but  he  had  also 


40<S  A    YOUXG    C/KL'S   U'OOIA'G. 

seen  that  the  woman  which  his  fancy  had  created 
did  not  exist.  There  is  a  love  which  is  the  re 
sult  of  admiration  and  illusion,  and  this  will  often 
cling  to  its  imperfect  object  to  the  end.  Such  was 
not  the  case  with  Graydon,  however.  His  first 
motive  had  been  little  more  than  an  ambition  to 
seek  the  most  brilliant  of  social  gems  with  which  to 
crown  a  successful  life  ,  but  he  was  too  much  of  a 
man  to  marry  a  belle  as  such  and  be  content.  lie 
must  love  her  as  a  woman  also,  and  he  had  loved 
what  he  imagined  Stella  Wildmere  to  be.  Now  he 
felt,  however,  like  a  lapidary  who,  while  gloating 
over  a  precious  stone,  is  suddenly  shown  that  it  is 
worthless  paste.  lie  may  have  valued  it  highly  an 
hour  before  ;  now  he  throws  it  away  in  angry  dis 
gust.  But  this  simile  only  in  part  explains  Gray- 
don's  feelings.  He  not  only  recognized  Miss  Wild- 
mere's  mercenary  character  and  selfish  spirit,  but 
also  the  power  she  would  have  had  to  thwart  his  life 
and  alienate  him  from  his  brother  and  Madge. 
While  she  was  not  the  pearl  for  which  he  might 
give  all,  she  could  easily  have  become  the  active 
poison  of  his  life. 

Oh,"  he  thought,  "  how  blessed  is  this  content 
with  sweet  sister  Madge — sister  in  spite  of  all  she 
says — compared  with  brief,  feverish  pleasure  in  an 
engagement  with  such  a  sham  of  a  woman,  or  the 
mad  chaos  of  financial  disaster  which  my  suit  might 
have  brought  about  !"  and  he  unconsciously  gave  a 
profound  sigh  of  satisfaction. 

"  O  Graydon,  what  a  sigh  !"   Madge  exclaimed. 


BROKEN  LIGHTS  AND    SHADOWS.  409 

Is  your  regret  so  great  ?  You  were  indeed  think 
ing  very  deeply. " 

So  were  you,  Madge,— so  you  have'been  during 
the  last  half  hour.  My  sigh  was  one  of  boundless 
relief  and  gratitude.  If  you  will  permit  me,  I  will 
tell  you  the  thoughts  that  occasioned  it  as  a  proof 
<>f  my  friendly  confidence.  May  I  tell  you  ?" 

'Yes,  if  you  think  it  right,"  she  said,  with 
slightly  heightened  color. 

It  seems  to  me  both  right  and  natural  that  I 
should  tell  you  ;"  and  he  put  the  thoughts  which 
preceded  his  sigh  into  words. 

'  Yes,"  she  replied,  gravely  ;  "  I  think  you  have 
escaped  much  that  you  would  regret.  Please  don't 
talk  about  it  any  more." 

What  were  you  thinking  about,  Madge  ?"  he 
asked,  looking  into  her  flushed  and  lovely  face. 

o  -* 

I  have  thought  a  great  deal  about  Tilly  and 
what  passed  between  us.  That  is  the  house  there, 
and  it  will  always  remain  in  my  mind  as  a  distinct 
memory. " 

I 'arm  wagons  and  vehicles  of  all  descriptions  were 
gathering  at  the  dwelling.  They  were  driven  by 
men  with  faces  as  rugged  and  weather-beaten  as  the 
mountains  around  them.  By  their  sides  were  plain- 
featured  matrons,  whose  rustic  beauty  had  early 
faded  under  the  stress  of  life's  toil,  and  apple- 
cheeked  boys  and  girls,  with  faces  composed  into  the 
most  unnatural  and  portentous  gravity.  There  was 
a  sprinkling  of  young  men,  with  visages  so  burnt  by 
the  sun  that  they  might  pass  for  civilt/.ed  Indians.. 
j  hey  were  accompanied  by  young  women  who,  in 


4TO 

their  remote  rural  homes,  had  obtained  hints  from 
the  world  of  fashion,  and  after  the  manner  of  Ameri 
can  girls  had  arrayed  themselves  with  a  neatness  and 
taste  that  was  surprising  ;  and  the  fresh  pink  and 
white  of  their  complexions  made  a  pleasing  contrast 
with  their  swains.  Although  the  occasion  was  one 
of  solemnity,  it  was  not  without  its  pleasurable  ex 
citement.  They  all  knew  about  poor  Till}-,  and  to 
day  was  the  culmination  of  the  little  drama  of  her 
illness,  the  details  of  which  had  been  discussed  for 
weeks  among  the  neighbors — not  in  callous  curi 
osity,  but  with  that  strange  blending  of  gossip  and 
sympathy  which  is  found  in  rural  districts.  The 
conclusion  of  all  such  talk  had  been  a  sigh  and  the 
words,  "  She  is  prepared  to  go." 

The  people  as  yet  were  gathered  without  the  door 
and  in  groups  under  the  trees.  Tilly's  remains  were 
still  in  her  own  little  room,  Mrs.  Wendall  taking 
her  farewell  look  with  hollow,  tearless  eyes.  A  few 
favored  ones,  chiefly  the  watchers  who  had  aided 
the  stricken  mother,  were  admitted  to  this  retreat 
of  sorrow. 

When  Dr.  Sommers  saw  Madge  and  Graydon  he 
came  to  them  and  said,  "  Mrs.  Wendall  requested 
that  when  you  came  you  and  whoever  accompanied 
you  should  be  brought  to  her.  Tilly,  before  she 
died,  expressed  the  wish  that  you  should  sit  with 
her  mother  during  the  funeral.  No,  no,  Mr.  Muir, 
Mrs.  Wendall  would  have  no  objection  to  any  of 
Miss  Aldcn's  friends.  I  can  give  you  a  seat  here  by 
this  window.  The  other  rooms  will  be  very  crowd 
ed  with  those  who  are  strangers  to  you." 


BROKEX  LIGHTS  AND    SHADOWS.  411 

Graydon  found  himself  by  the  same  window  at 
which  Madge  had  sat  in  her  long  vigil.  The  bed 
had  been  removed,  and  in  its  place  was  a  plain  yet 
tasteful  casket.  Mr.  YVendall,  with  his  head  bowed 
down,  sat  at  its  foot,  wiping  away  tears  from  time 
to  time  with  a  bandana  handkerchief.  Two  or  thiee 
stanch  friends  and  helpers  sat  also  in  the  room,  for 
it  would  appear  that  the  YVenclalls  had  no  relatives 
in  the  vicinity. 

As  Madge  sat  down  by  Mrs.  Wendall,  so  intent 
was  the  mother's  ga/.e  upon  her  dead  child  that  she 
did  not  at  first  notice  the  young  girl's  presence- 
Madge  took  a  thin,  toil-worn  hand  caressingly  in 
both  her  own,  and  then  the  tearless  eyes  were 
turned  upon  her,  and  the  light  of  recognition  came 
slowly  into  them,  as  if  she  were  recalling  her 
thoughts  from  an  immense  distance. 

I'm  glad  you've  come,"  she  said,  in  a  loud, 
strange  whisper.  "  She  wanted  you  to  be  with  me. 
She  said  you  had  trouble,  and  would  know  how  to 
sustain  me.  She  left  a  message  for  you.  She 
said,  '  Tell  dear  Madge:  that  tin;  dying  sometimes 
have  clear  vision, — tell  her  I've  prayed  for  her  ever 
since,  and  she'll  be  happy  yet,  even  in  this  world. 
'I  ell  her  that  I  only  saw  her  a  little  while,  but  slu- 
belongs  to  those  I  shall  wait  for  to  welcome.' 
You'll  stay  by  me  till  it's  all  over,  won't  you  ?" 

Madge  was  deeply  agitated,  but  she  managed  to 
say  distinctly,  "Tilly  also  said  something  to  me, 
and  I  want  you  to  think  of  her  words  through  all 
that  is  to  conn,-.  She  said,  '  Think  where  I  have 
gone,  and  don't  grieve  a  moment.' 


412  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

'  Yes,  I'll  come  to  that  by  and  by  ;  but  now  I 
can  think  of  only  one  thing — they  are  going  to  take 
away  my  baby  ;"  and  she  laid  her  head  on  the  still 
bosom  with  a  yearning  in  her  face  which  only  God, 
who  created  the  mother's  heart,  could  understand. 

What  followed  need  not  be  dwelt  upon.  The 
mother  and  father  took  their  last  farewell,  the 
casket  was  carried  to  the  outer  room,  the  simple 
service  was  soon  over,  the  tearful  tributes  paid,  and 
then  the  slow  procession  took  its  way  to  a  little 
graveyard  on  a  hill-side  among  the  mountains. 

'  I  can't  go  and  see  Tilly  buried,"  said  Mrs. 
Wendall,  in  the  same  unnatural  whisper.  "  I  will 
go  to  her  grave  some  day,  but  not  yet.  I  am  trying 
to  keep  up,  but  I  don't  feel  that  I  could  stand  on 
my  feet  a  minute  now." 

I'll  stay  with  you  till  they  come  back,"  Madge 
answered,  tenderly  ;  and  at  last  she  was  left  alone  in 
the  house,  holding  the  tearless  mother's  hand.  She 
soon  bowed  her  young  head  upon  it,  bedewing  it 
with  her  tears.  The  poor  woman's  deep  absorp 
tion  began  to  pass  away.  The  warm  tears  upon 
her  hand,  the  head  upon  her  lap,  began  to  waken 
the  instincts  of  womanhood  to  help  and  console  an 
other.  She  stroked  the  dark  hair  and  murmured, 
'  Poor  child,  poor  child  !  Tilly  was  right.  Trouble 
makes  us  near  of  kin." 

"You  loved  Tilly,  Mrs.  Wendall,"  Madge- 
sobbed.  '  Think  of  where  she's  gone.  No  more 
tears  ;  no  more  pain  ;  no  more  death." 

Her  touch  of  sympathy  broke  the  stony  paralysis  ; 
her  hot  tears  melted  those  which  seemed  to  have 


71A'OA'f:.Y    LIGHTS   A. YD    Sff.-lfH^Jl'S.  413 

congealed  in  the  breaking  heart,  and  the  mother 
took  Madge  in  her  arms  and  cried  till  her  strength 
was  gone. 

When  Mr.  Wenclall  returned  with  some  of  the 
neighbors,  Madge  met  him  at  the  door  and  held  up 
a  warning  finger.  The  overwrought  woman  had 
been  soothed  into  the  blessed  oblivion  of  restoring 
sleep,  the  first  she  had  had  for  many  hours.  A 
motherly-looking  woman  whispered  her  intention  of 
remaining  with  Mrs.  Wendall  all  night.  Mr.  Wen- 

o  o 

dall  took  Madge's  hand  in  both  his  own,  and  looked 
at  her  with  eyes  dim  with  tears.  Twice  he  essayed 
to  speak,  then  turned  away,  faltering,  "  When  I 
meet  you  where  Tilly  is,  perhaps  I  can  tell  you." 

She  went  down  the  little  path  bordered  by  flowers 
which  the  dead  girl  had  loved  and  tended,  and 
gathered  a  few  of  them.  Then  Graydon  drove  her 
away,  his  only  greeting  being  a  warm  pressure  of 
her  hand. 

At  last  Madge  breathed  softly,  "  Think  where  1 
have  gone.  Where  is  heaven  ?  What  is  it  ?" 

His   eyes   were    moist   as   he    turned  toward  her. 

I  don't  know,  Madge,"  he  said.  '  I  know  one 
thing,  however,  I  shall  never,  as  you  asked,  say  a 
word  against  your  faith.  I've  seen  its  fruits  to- 
day."  ' 


CHAPTER    XXXV. 
A    N  E  w    ]•:  x  T'  ]•:  u  i  M  ]•:  x  T  . 

STELLA  WTLDMERE  \vould  not  leave  the 
seclusion  of  her  room.  As  the  hours  passed 
the  more  overwhelming  grew  her  disappointment 
and  humiliation,  and  her  chief  impulse  now  was  to 
get  away  from  a  place  that  had  grown  hateful  to 
her.  She  had  bitterly  reproached  her  father  as  the 
cause  of  her  desolation,  but  thus  far  he  had  made 
no  reply  whatever.  She  had  passed  almost  a  sleep 
less  night,  and  since  had  shut  herself  up  in  her 
room,  looking  at  the  past  with  a  fixed  stare  and 
rigid  face,  over  which  at  times  would  pass  a  crimson 
hue  of  shame. 

Mrs.  Wildmere  went  down  to  dinner  with  her 
husband,  and  then  learned  that  Mr.  Arnault  had 
breakfasted  with  him.  This  fact  she  told  Stella  on 
her  return,  and  the  girl  sent  for  her  father  immedi 
ately. 

'  Why  did   you  not  tell  me  that  Mr.  Arnault  was 
here  this  morning?"  she  asked,  harshly. 

lie  looked  at  her  steadily,  but  made  no  reply. 

V\Thy  don't  you  answer  me  ?"  she  resumed, 
springing  up  in  her  impatience  and  taking  a  step 
toward  him. 


A    NEW  EXPERIMENT.  415 

He  still  maintained  the  same  steadfast,  earnest 
look,  which  began  to  grow  embarrassing,  for  it  em 
phasized  the  consciousness  which  she  could  not  stifle, 
that  she  alone  was  to  blame. 

She  turned  irritably  away,  and  sat  clown  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  room. 

It's  just  part  and  parcel  of  your  past  folly,"  she 
began.  If  I  had  known  he  was  here,  and  could 
have  seen  him  or  written  to  him  - 

She  still  encountered  the  same  searching  eyes 
that  appeared  to  be  looking  into  her  very  soul. 

Oh,  well,  if  you  have  nothing  to  say — 

I  have  a  great  deal  to  say,"  answered  her  father, 
quietly,  "  but  you  are  not  ready  to  hear  it  yet." 

"More  lecturing  and  fault-finding,"  said  Stella, 
sullenl}'. 

I  have  not  lectured  or  found  fault.  I  have 
warned  you  and  tried  to  make  you  see  the  truth 
and  to  help  you. " 

And  witli  your  usual  success.  When  can  we 
leave  this  house  ?" 

We   must   leave   it   to-morrow.      I    will  speak  in 

kindness  and  truth  when  you  are  ready  to  listen.      1 

know  tin:  past  ;    I  have  little  left  now  but  memory." 

lie    waited    some    moments,    but     there    was    no 

relenting  on  her  part,  and  he  passed  out. 

All  the  afternoon  conscience  \vaged  war  with 
anger,  shame,  pride  and  fear  fear  for  the  future, 
fear  of  her  father,  for  she  had  never  before  seen  him 
look  as  he  had  since  he  had  met  her  on  the  pia/./.a 
the  evening  before.  lie  had  manifested  none  of  his 
usual  traits  of  irritability  alternating  with  a  coldness 


41 6  A    YOUNG  GIRL  'S   WOOING. 

corresponding  to  her  o\vn.  He  seemed  to  have 
passed  beyond  these  surface  indications  of  trouble 
to  the  condition  of  one  who  sees  evils  that  he  can 
not  avert  and  who  rallies  sufficient  manhood  to  meet 
them  with  a  dignity  that  bordered  on  despair. 

As  Stella  grew  calmer  she  had  a  growing  percep 
tion  of  this  truth.  lie  no  longer  indulged  in  vague, 
half-sincere  predictions  of  disaster.  His  aspect  was 
that  of  a  man  who  was  looking  at  fate. 

A  cold  dread  began  to  creep  over  her.  What  was 
in  prospect?  Was  he,  not  Henry  Muir,  to  lose 
everything?  After  all,  he  washer  father,  her  pro 
tector,  her  only  hope  for  the  future.  As  reason 
found  chance  to  be  heard,  she  saw  how  senseless 
was  her  revolt  at  him.  She  could  not  go  on  ignor 
ing  him  any  longer.  Perhaps  it  would  be  best  to 
hear  what  he  had  to  say. 

This  feeling  was  intensified  by  her  mother,  who 
at  last  came  in  and  said,  in  a  weak,  half-desperate 
way,  "  Stella,  there  is  no  use  of  your  going  on  in 
this  style  any  longer.  Distressed  and  worried  as  I 
am,  1  can  see  that  we  can't  help  matters  now  by  just 
wringing  our  hands.  Your  father  says  we  must 
leave  as  early  as  possible  to-morrow.  I  can't  do 
everything  to  get  ready.  I'm  so  unnerved  I  can 
scarcely  stand  now.  Do  come  down  to  supper  with 
us,  or  else  let  a  good  supper  he  brought  to  you,  and 
then  let  us  act  as  if  we  had  not  lost  our  senses 
utterly.  Your  father  looks  and  is  so  strange  that  I 
scarcely  know  him." 

I'll  not  go  down  again.      Nothing  would  tempt 
me  to  meet  Graydon   Muir  and  the  curious  stare  of 


A    KEIV  EXPERIMENT.  417 

the  people.  I  suppose  they  are  full  of  surmises. 
If  you  will  have  a  supper  sent  to  me  I  will  take  it 
and  do  all  the  packing  myself.  Please  tell  papa 
that  I  wish  to  see  him  after  supper." 

She  then  made  a  toilet  suitable  for  her  task,  and 
waited  impatiently.  Her  father  soon  appeared 
with  a  dainty  and  inviting  supper.  As  soon  as  they 
were  alone  Stella  began  : 

Now,  papa,  tell  me  the  worst — not  what  you 
fear,  but  just  what  is  before  us." 

Kat  your  supper  first." 

No  ;  I  wish  to  learn  the  absolute  truth.  You 
said  you  had  a  great  deal  to  say  to  me.  I'm  calm 
now,  and  I  suppose  I've  acted  like  a  fool  long 
enough. " 

'  1  have  much  to  say,  but  not  many  words.  / 
must  begin  again,  Heaven  only  knows  how  or 
where.  I  am  about  at  the  end  of  my  resources.  I 
shall  not  do  anything  rash  or  silly.  I  shall  do  my 
best  while  I  have  power  to  do  anything.  1  do  not 
propose  to  reproach  you  for  the  past.  It's  gone 
now,  and  can't  be  helped.  My  proposal  to  you  is 
that  von  begin  also.  You  have  tried  pleasing  your 
self  and  thinking  of  self  first  pretty  thoroughly.  You 
know  what  it  is  to  be  a  belle.  Xow,  why  not  try  the 
experiment  of  being  a  true,  earnest,  unselfish  woman, 
whose  first  effort  is  to  do  right.  Believe  me,  Stella, 
there  is  a  God  in  heaven  who  thwarts  selfishness 
and  punishes  it  in  ways  often  least  expected.  The 
people  with  whom  we  associate  soon  rccogni/.e  the 
self-seeking  spirit,  and  resent  it.  You  have  had  a 
terrible  and  practical  illustration  of  what  I  say. 


4 1 8  A    YO  UATG  GIRL  '  S  J  VOOIXG. 

Are  you  not  a  girl  of  too  much  mind  to  make  the 
same  blunder  again  ?  With  your  youth  you  need 
not  spoil  your  life,  or  that  of  others,  unless  you  do  it 
wilfully." 

She  leaned  back  in  her  chair,  and  bitter  tears  came 
into  her  eyes. 

'  Yes,"  she  faltered,  "  my  lesson  has  been  a  ter 
rible  one  ;  but  perhaps  I  never  should  have  become 
sane  without  it.  I  have  been  exacting  and  receiv 
ing  all  my  life,  and  yet  to-night  I  feel  that  I  have 
nothing.  Oh,"  she  exclaimed,  with  passionate 
utterance,  "I  have  been  such  a  fool.  Nothing, 
nothing  to  show  for  all  those  gay,  brilliant  years, 
not  even  a  father's  love  and  little  claim  upon  it." 

He  came  to  her  side  and  kissed  her  again  and 
again. 

You  don't  know  anything  about  a  father's 
love,"  he  said.  "  It  survives  everything  and  any 
thing,  and  your  love  would  save  me." 

Never,  even  under  the  eyes  of  Graydon  Muir,  had 
she  been  so  conscious  of  her  heart  before.  Had  he 
seen  her  when  she  departed  on  the  earliest  train  in 
the  morning  he  }vould  have  witnessed  a  new  ex 
pression  on  her  face. 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 

M  A  I)  G  E    A  L  D  E  N  '  S     RIDE. 

METHODICAL  Henry  Muir  found  that  the 
events  of  the  last  few  days  had  resulted  in  a 
reaction  and  weariness  which  he  could  not  readily 
shake  off,  and  he  had  expressed  an  intention  of 
sleeping  late  on  Monday  and  taking  the  second 
train.  When  he  and  his  family  gathered  at  break 
fast,  the  removal  to  Hotel  Kaaterskill  was  the  up 
permost  theme,  and  it  was  agreed  that  Madge  and 
Graydon  should  ride  thither  on  horseback,  and  re 
turn  by  a  train,  if  wearied.  Mr.  Muir  then  went  to 
the  city,  well  prepared  to  establish  himself  on  a 
safer  footing.  Graydon  and  Madge  soon  after  were 
on  their  way  through  the  mountain  valleys,  the 
latter  with  difficulty  holding  her  horse  down  to  the 
pace  they  desired  to  maintain. 

After  riding  rapidly  for  some  distance,  they 
reached  long,  lonely  stretches,  favorable  for  conver 
sation,  and  Graydon  was  too  fond  of  hearing  Madge 
talk  to  lose  the  opportunity.  He  looked  wonder- 
ingly  at  her  flushed  face,  with  the  freshness  of  the 
morning  in  it  ;  her  brilliant  eyes,  from  which  fhushed 
a  spirit  that  nothing  seemed  to  daunt  ;  the  sudden 


420  A     YOUNG    CIKi:  S   ll'OOIXC. 

compression  of  her  lips,  as  with  power  and  inimita 
ble  grace  she  reined  in  her  chafing  steed.  Never 
before  had  she  appeared  so  vital  and  beautiful,  and 
he  rode  at  her  side  with  something  like  exultation 
that  they  were  so  much  to  each  other.  He  was 
turning  his  back  on  a  past  fraught  with  peril,  over 
which  hung  the  shadow  of  what  must  have  been  a 
lifelong  disappointment. 

The  girl  who  would  have  taken  me,  as  Henry 
chooses  among  commercial  securities,  cannot  now 
make  me  an  adjunct  to  her  self-pleasing  career,"  hr 
thought.  '  I  am  free — free  to  become  to  Madge 
what  I  was  in  old  times.  No  one  now  has  the1 
right  to  look  askance  at  our  affection  and  compan 
ionship.  What  an  idiot  I  was  to  endure  Stella's 
criticism  while  she  was  playing  it  so  sharp  between 
Arnault  and  myself  !  No  wonder  crystal  Madge 
said  she  and  Stella  were  not  congenial  ! 

I  call  Madge  crystal,  yet  I  don't  understand 
her  full}-,  and  have  not  since  my  return.  She  has 
had  some  deep,  sad  experience,  which  she  is  hiding 
from  all.  From  what  Mrs.  Wendall  said  at  the 
funeral  yesterday,  Madge  must  have  revealed  more 
of  it  to  that  dying  girl  than  to  any  one  else.  How 
my  heart  thrilled  at  those  strange  whispered  words  ! 
How  dearly  I  would  love  to  help  her  and  bring  un 
alloyed  happiness  into  her  life  !  But  whatever  it  was 
referred  to  I  cannot  touch  upon  till  she  of  her  own 
accord  gives  me  her  confidence.  Could  she  have 
formed  what  promises  to  be  a  hopeless  love  in  her 
Western  home,  and  is  she  now  hiding  a  wound  that 
will  not  heal,  while  bravelv  and  cheerfully  facing  life 


MADGE    A  I, D  EX'S   RIDE.  \2\ 

as  it  is  ?  Perhaps  her  purpose  to  return  to  Santa 
Barbara  proves  that  she  does  not  regard  her  love  as 
utterly  hopeless.  Well,  whatever  the  truth  may 
be,  she  hides  her  secret  with  consummate  skill,  and 
I  shall  not  pry  into  even  her  affairs.  I  only  know 
that  as  I  feel  now  I  should  prixe  her  friendship 
above  any  other  woman's  love." 

'What    are    you    thinking    of    so    deeply?"    she 
asked,  meeting  his  eyes. 

"  My  thought  just  then  was  that  I  should  prize 
your  friendship  above  any  other  woman's  love,  and 
I  had  been  felicitating  myself  that  Stella  Wild- 
mere  would  never  have  the  right  to  criticise  the 
fact." 

"()  Gray  don,  what  a  man  of  moods  and  tenses 
you  are  !"  Then  she  added,  laughing,  "  There  has 
been  indeed  a  kaleidoscopic  turn  in  affairs.  Mr. 
Arnault  disappeared  yesterday,  and  Mary  learned 
that  the  Wildmeres  left  by  the  early  train  this 
morning. " 

Yes,  Miss  Wildmere  followed  Arnault  prompt!}'. 
The}-  are  near  of  kin,  but  not  too  near  to  marry. 
Their  nuptials  should  be  solemnized  in  Wall  Street, 
under  flowers  arranged  into  a  dollar  symbol." 

1  feel  sorry  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wildmcrc,  though  ; 
especially  the  former.  I  think  he  might  have  been 
quite  different  had  the  fates  been  kinder." 

I  would  rather  dismiss  them  all  from  my  mind 
as  far  as  possible.  l)»n't  think  me  callous  about 
Stella.  If  she  had  decided  for  me  at  once-  and  been 
true  I  would  have  been  loyal  to  her  in  spite  of 
everything  ;  but  the  revelation  of  her  cold,  merer- 


422 

nary  soul  makes  mo  shudder  when  I  think  how  nar 
rowly  I  escaped  allying  myself  to  it." 

'You  have  indeed  had  an  escape,"  Madge  re 
plied,  gravely.  '  If  she  were  a  young,  thoughtless, 
undeveloped  girl  her  womanhood  might  have  come 
to  her  afterward.  I  hope  I  am  mistaken,  but  she 
has  made  a  singular  impression  on  me." 

Please  tell  me  it.  You  have  insight  into  char 
acter  that  in  one  so  young  is  surprising." 

I  have  no  special  insight.  I  simply  feel  people. 
The}'  create  an  atmosphere  and  make  some  domi 
nant  impression  with  which  I  always  associate 
them. " 

I  am  eager  to  know  what  impression  Miss 
\Yildmere  has  made." 

I  fear  this  would  be  true  of  her,  even  after  she 
becomes  a  mature  woman.  A  man  might  be  almost 
perishing  at  her  side  from  mental  trouble  of  some 
kind,  and,  so  far  from  feeling  for  him  and  sympa 
thizing,  she  wouldn't  even  know  it,  and  he  couldn't 
make  her  know  it.  She  would  look  at  him  quietly 
with  her  gray  eyes  as  she  would  at  a  problem  in  the 
calculus,  and  with  scarce!}'  more  desire  to  under 
stand  him,  and  with  perhaps  less  power  to  do  so. 
She  would  turn  from  him  to  a  new  dress,  a  new 
admirer,  or  a  new  phase  of  amusement,  and  forget 
him,  and  the  fact  that  he  was  her  husband  would 
not  make  much  difference.  Some  deep  experience 
of  her  own  may  change  her,  but  I  don't  know.  1 
fear  another's  experience  would  be  like  a  tragedy 
without  the  walls  while  she  was  safe  within." 

"  O  Madge,  think  of  a  man  with  a  strong,  sensi- 


MAUCI-:    ALDEN'S   RIDX.  423 

tive  nature  beating  his  very  heart  to  death  against 
such  pumice-stone  callousness  !" 

'  I     don't    like    to    think    of    it,"    she    replied. 

Come,  I  ask  with  you  now  that  we  forget  her  as 
far  as  possible.  She  may  not  disappoint  a  man  like 
Arnault.  Let  them  both  become  shadows  in  the 
background  of  memory.  Here's  a  level  place. 
Now  for  a  gallop." 

When    at     last    they    pulled    up,    Graydon    said, 

'  Your  horse  is  awfully  strong  and  restless  to-day." 

'  Yes  ;    he  has   not    been    used    enough    of    late. 

He'll  be  quiet  before   night,  for  I  am  enjoying  this 

so  much   that   I    should    like   to   return   in  the  same 

way. 

'  I  am  delighted  to  hear  you  say  so.  My  spirits 
begin  to  rise  the  moment  I  am  with  you,  and  you 
are  the  only  woman  I  ever  knew  from  whose  side  I 
could  not  go  with  the  feeling,  '  Well,  some  other 
time  would  suit  me  now.' 

Her  laugh  rang  out  so  suddenly  and  merrily  that 
her  horse  sprung  into  a  gallop,  but  she  checked 
him  speedily,  and  thought,  with  an  exultant  thrill, 

Graydon  now  has  surely  revealed  an  unmistakable 
symptom."  To  him  she  said  : 

'  You  amuse  me  immensely.  You  are  almost  as 
outspoken  as  little  Harry,  and,  like  him,  you  mis 
take  the  impression  of  the  moment  for  the  im 
mutable." 

Now,  that's  not  fair  to  me.     I've  been  constant 
to  you.      Own  up,  Madge,  haven't  I  ?" 

With  a  glance  and  smile  which  she  never  gave  to 
Others,  and  rarely  to  him,  she  said  .• 


I  own  up.      I  don't  believe  a  real  brother  would 
have  been  half  so  nice." 

Let  the  past  guarantee  the  future,  then.      Shake 
hands  against  all  future  misunderstandings." 

She  was  scarcely  read}'  to  shake  hands  on  such 
a  basis,  but  of  course  would  have  complied.  In 
the  slight  confusion  her  hand  -relaxed  its  grasp 
on  the  curb-rein,  and  at  the  same  moment  a  loco 
motive,  coming  along  the  side  of  the  opposite 
mountain,  blew  a  shrill  whistle.  Instantly  her  horse 
had  the  bit  in  his  teeth,  and  was  off  at  a  furious 
pace. 

At  first  she  did  not  care,  but  soon  found,  with 
anxiety,  that  he  paid  no  attention  to  her  efforts  to 
check  him,  and  that  his  pace  was  passing  into  a  mad 
run.  The  gorge  was  growing  narrower,  and  the 
lofty  mountains  stood,  with  their  rock}'  feet,  nearer 
and  nearer  together.  She  could  see  through  the 
intervening  trees  that  the  road  and  rail-track  were 
becoming  closely  parallel,  and  at  last  realized  that 
her  horse  was  unmanageable. 

When  the  engineer  of  the  train  saw  Madge's  des 
perate  riding  he  surmised  that  her  horse  was  not 
under  control,  and  put  *on  extra  steam  in  order  to 
take  the  exciting  cause  of  the  animal's  terror  out  of 
the  way.  lie  thought  he  could  easily  reach  the 
summit  of  the  clove  where  the  carriage-drive  crossed 
the  track  before  Madge,  and  then  pass  swiftly  over 
the  down-grade  beyond  ;  but  he  had  not  calculated 
on  the  terrific  speed  of  the  horse  ;  and  when  at  last 
the  track  and  roadway  were  almost  side  by  side  the 
frantic  beast,  with  his  pale  rider,  was  abreast  of  the 


MADGR   ALDEN.'S  KIDE.  425 

train.  For  a  moment  the  engineer  was  irresolute, 
and  then,  too  late,  as  he  feared,  "  slowed  up." 

The  narrow  road,  with  a  precipitous  mountain  on 
the  left,  was  so  near  to  the  flying  train  that  the 
passengers  in  an  open  car  could  almost  touch 
Madge,  and  she  was  to  them  like  a  strange  and 
beautiful  apparition,  with  her  white  face  and  large 
dark  eyes  filled  with  an  unspeakable  dread. 

"  Oh,  stop  the  train  !"  she  cried,  and  her  voice, 
with  the  whole  powrer  of  her  lungs,  rung  out  far 
above  the  clatter  of  the  wheels,  wakening  despairing 
echoes  from  the  mountains  impending  on  either 
side. 

The  speed  of  the  cars  was  perceptibly  checked  ; 
the  passengers  saw  the  foam-flecked  brute,  with 
head  stubbornly  bent  downward  and  eye  of  fire, 
pass  beyond  them.  An  instant  later,  to  their  horri 
fied  gaze  and  that  of  Graydon's,  who  was  following 
as  fast  as  a  less  swift  horse  could  carry  him,  Madge 
and  the  locomotive  appeared  to  come  together. 
The  young  man  gave  a  hoarse,  inarticulate  cry  be 
tween  a  curse  and  a  shout,  and  whipped  his  horse 
forward  furiously. 

The  speed  of  the  train  was  renewed,  and  he  saw 
through  the  open  car  that  Madge  must  have  passed 
unharmed  before  the  engine,  just  <<Tazin<r  it.  It 

O  '          J  O  O 

also  appeared  that  she  was  gaining  the  mastery,  for 
her  horse  was  rearing  ;  then  cars  of  ordinary  make 
intervened  and  hid  her  from  view  a  moment,  and 
the  train  clattered  noisily  on. 

When  he  crossed  the  track  Madge  was  not  where 
he  had  last  seen  her.  The  road  beyond  ran  at  a 


4? 6  A    YOUXG    GIRL S   WOOIXG, 

greater  distance  from  the  railway,  and  was  lined 
with  trees  and  bushes.  Through  an  opening  among 
these  he  saw  that  the  horse  had  resumed  his  old 
mad  pace,  that  Madge  was  still  mounted,  but  that 
she  was  no  longer  erect,  and  sat  with  her  head 
bowed  and  her  whip-hand  clutching  the  mane.  He 
also  saw.  with  a  sinking  heart,  that  the  road  curved 
a  little  farther  on,  and  evidently  crossed  the  track 
again. 

A  moment  later —  Oh  horror  !  An  opening  in 
the  foliage  revealed  Madge  dashing  headlong,  ap 
parently,  into  the  train.  He  grew  so  faint  that  he  al 
most  fell  from  his  horse,  and  was  scarcely  conscious, 
until,  with  a  strong  revulsion  of  hope,  he  found 
himself  under  the  track  which,  about  an  eighth  of  a 
mile  from  the  previous  crossing,  passes  just  above 
the  roadway.  Not  aware  of  this  fact,  and  with 
vision  broken  by  intervening  trees,  he  could  not 
have  imagined  anything  else  than  a  collision,  which 
must  have  been  fatal  in  its  consequences. 

With  hope  his  pulse  quickened,  his  strength  re 
turned,  and  he  again  urged  his  jaded  horse  forward, 
at  the  same  time  sending  out  his  voice  : 

Madge,  Madge,  keep  up  a  little  longer." 

The  road  had  left  the  car-track,  the  noise  of  the 
train  was  dying  away  in  the  distance.  At  last, 
turning  a  curve,  he  saw  that  Madge's  horse  had 
come  down  to  a  canter,  and  that  she  was  pulling 
feebly  at  the  rein. 

As  he  approached  he  shouted  "  Whoa  !"  with 
such  a  voice  of  command  that  the  horse  stopped 
suddenly,  and  she  almost  fell  forward. 


MADGE   ALDEN'  S   RIDE.  427 

Quick,  Gray  don,  quick  !"  she  gasped. 

lie  sprang  to  the  ground,  and  a  second  later  she 
was  an  unconscious  burden  in  his  arms. 

He  laid  her  gently  on  a  mossy  bank  under  an 
oak  ;  then,  \vith  a  face  fairly  livid  with  passion,  he 
drew  a  small  revolver  from  his  hip-pocket,  stepped 
back  to  the  horse  that  now  stood  trembling  and  ex 
hausted  in  the  road,  and  shot  him  dead. 

lie  now  saw  that  they  had  been  observed  at  a 
neighboring  farmhouse,  and  that  people  were  run 
ning  toward  them.  Gathering  Madge  again  in  his 
arms,  he  bore  her  toward  the  dwelling,  in  which 
effort  he  was  soon  aided  by  a  stout  countryman. 

The  farmer's  wife  was  all  solicitude,  and  to  her 
and  her  daughter's  ministrations  Madge  was  left, 
while  Graydon  waited,  with  intense  anxiety,  in  the 
porch,  explaining  what  had  occurred,  with  a  manner 
much  distraught,  in  answer  to  many  questions. 

'The    cursed    brute    is   done    for   now,"    he  con 
cluded. 

Madge's  faint  proved  obstinate,  and  at  last  Gray 
don  began  to  urge  the  farmer  to  go  for  a  physician. 

The  daughter  at  last  appeared  with  the  glad 
tidings  that  the  young  girl  was  "  coming  to 
nicely. " 

Graydon  breathed  a  fervent  "  Thank  God  !"  and 
sunk  weak  and  limp  into  a  seat  on  the  porch.  The 
farmer  brought  him  a  glass  of  cool  milk  from  the 
cellar,  and  then  Graydon  sent  in  word  that  he 
would  like  to  see  the  lady  as  soon  as  possible. 

When  he  entered  the  "  spare  room"  of  the  farm 
house  Madge,  with  a  smile  that  was  like  a  ray  of 


428  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S   WOOLVG. 

Sunshine,  extended   her  hand   from    the   lounge   on 
which  she  was  reclining,  and  said  : 

'  You  didn't  fail  me,  Graydon.  I  couldn't  have 
kept  up  a  moment  longer.  I  should  have  fain:ed 
before  had  I  not  heard  your  voice.  How  good  God 
has  been  !" 

He  held  her  hand  in  both  his  own,  his  mouth 
twitched  nervously,  but  his  emotion  was  too  strong 
for  speech. 

Don't  feel  so  badly,  Graydon,"  she  resumed, 
and  her  voice  was  gentleness  itself  ;  'I  am  not 
hurt,  nor  are  you  to  blame." 

;'  I  am  to  blame,"  he  said,  hoarsely.  "  I  gave 
you  that  brute,  but  he's  dead.  I  shot  him  in 
stantly.  O  Madge,  if — if-  I  feel  that  I  would 
have  shot  myself." 

"  Graydon,  please  be  more  calm,"  she  faltered, 
tears  coining  into  her  eyes.  '  There,  see,  you  are 
making  me  cry.  I  can't  bear  to  see  you — I  can't 
bear  to  see  a  man — so  moved.  Please  now,  you  look 
so  pale  that  I  am  frightened.  I'm  not  strong,  but 
shall  get  better  at  once  if  I  see  you  yourself." 

Forgive  me,  Madge,  but  it  seems  as  if  I  had 
suffered  the  pangs  of  death  ten  times  over — there,  I 
won't  speak  about  it  till  we  both  have  recovered 
from  the  shock.  Dear,  brave  little  girl  ;  how  can  I 
thank  you  enough  for  keeping  up  till  I  could  reach 
you  !" 

She  began  to  laugh  a  little  too  nervously  to  be 
natural.  Her  heart  was  glad  over  her  escape,  and 
in  a  gladder  tumult  at  his  words  and  manner.  He 
was  no  shadow  of  a  man,  nor  did  ice- water  flow  in 


MADGE    ALDEX'S   RIDE.  429 

his  veins.      His   feeling  had   been   so   strong   that  it 
had  almost  broken  her  self-control. 

"  Some  day,"  she  exulted,  "  some  day  God  will 
turn  his  fraternal  affection  into  the  wine  of  love." 

I'm  so  nervous,"  she  said,  "  that  I  must  either 
laugh  or  cry.  What  a  plight  we  are  in  !  1  low 
shall  we  go  forward  or  backward  ?" 

\Ve  shall  not   do  either  very  soon.      Mrs.  Hob- 
son  is  making  you  a  cup  of  tea,  and  then  you  must 
rest  thoroughly,  and  sleep,  if  possible." 
'  What  will  you  do  ?" 

"Oh,  I'll  soothe  my  nerves  with  a  cigar,  and 
berate  myself  on  the  porch  !  When  you  are  thor 
oughly  rested  I'll  have  Mr.  Hobson  drive  us  on  to 
the  nearest  station.  We  are  in  no  plight  whatever, 
if  you  received  no  harm." 

I  haven't.      Promise  me  one  thing." 
Anything — everything. " 

Do  no  berating.  I'm  sorry  you  killed  the 
horse  ;  but  he  did  act  vilely,  and  1  suppose  you 
had  to  let  off  your  anger  in  some  way.  I  was 
angry  myself  at  first  -  he  was  so  stupid.  Hut 
when  I  found  I  couldn't  hold  him  at  all  I  thought 
I  must  die-  Oh,  how  it  all  comes  back  to  me! 
What  thoughts  I  had,  and  how  sweet  life  be 
came  !  Oh,  oh  '  and  she  began  sobbing  like  a 
child. 

Madge,  please  I  can't  endure  this,  indeed  I 
can  't. ' ' 

Hut  her  overwrought  nerves  were  not  easily  con 
trolled,  and  he  knelt  beside  her,  speaking  soothingly 
and  pleadingly.  '  Dear  Madge,  dear  sister  Madge. 


430  A    YOUXG    GIRL'S   }y  GOING. 

Oh,  I  wish  Mary  was  here  !"  and  he  kissed  her  again 
and  again. 

"  Grnydon,"  she  gasped,  "stop!  There — I'm 
better;"  and  she  did  seem  to  recover  almost  in 
stantly. 

Law  bless  you,  sir,"  said  Mrs.  Hobson,  who 
had  entered  with  the  tea,  "  your  sister '11  be  all 
right  in  an  hour  or  so." 

Graydon  sprung  to  his  feet,  and  there  was  a 
strong  dash  of  color  in  his  face.  As  for  the  hitherto 
pallid  Madge,  her  visage  was  like  a  peony,  and  she 
was  preternaturally  quiet. 

'  Try  to  sleep,  Madge,"  said  Graydon,  from  the 
doorway,  "  and  I  won't  '  worry  or  take  on  '  a  bit  ;" 
and  he  disappeared. 

There  was  no  sleep  for  her,  and  yet  she  felt  her 
self  wonderfully  restored.  Was  it  the  potency  of 
Mrs.  Hobson's  tea?  or  that  which  he  had  placed 
upon  her  lips  ? 


CHAPTER    XXXVII. 

"YOU      ARE     VERY      BLIND." 

AS  a  general  rule  Graydon  was  not  conscious  of 
nerves,  and  had  received  the  fact  of  their  exist 
ence  largely  on  faith.  But  to-day  they  asserted 
themselves  in  a  manner  which  excited  his  surprise 
and  some  rather  curious  speculation.  lie  found  his 
heart  beating  in  a  way  difficult  to  account  for  on  a 
physiological  basis,  his  pulses  fluttering,  and  his 
thoughts  in  a  luminous  ha/.e,  wherein  nothing  was 
very  distinct  except  Madge's  flushing  face,  startled 
ryes,  looking  a  protest  through  their  tears.  It  was 
not  so  much  an  indignant  protest  as  it  was  a 
I  Tightened  one,  he  half  imagined.  And  why 
was  he  so  confused  and  disturbed  that,  instead 
of  sitting  quietly  down  in  the  porch,  as  he  had  in 
tended,  he  was  impelled  to  walk  restlessly  to  a 
neighboring  grove  !  For  one  so  intensely  fraternal 
lie  felt  he  was  continuing  to  "  take  on"  in  a  very 
unnecessary  style. 

"  Confound  that  woman  !"  he  muttered.  '  Why 
did  she  have  to  come  in  just  then,  and  why  should 
1  blush  like  a  school-girl  because  she  caught  me 
kissing  one  that  I  regard  as  a  sister  ?  And  why  did 


43 2  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

the  \vord  sister  sound  so  unnatural  when  spoken  by 
Mrs.  Hobson  ?  '  Great  Scott  !  '  as  Henry  says,  I 
hope  I'm  not  growing  to  love  Madge.  She  would 
overwhelm  me  with  ridicule,  infused,  perhaps,  with 
a  spice  of  contempt,  if  I  gave  her  the  impression  that 
I  had  fallen  out  of  love  one  week  and  in  the  next. 
Hang  it  !  I'm  all  broken  up  from  this  day's  experi 
ences.  I  had  better  get  on  my  feet  mentally,  and 
then  I  shall  be  able  to  find  out  where  I  stand." 

The  demon  of  restlessness  soon  drove  him  back 
to  the  house  again,  and  he  learned  that  there  would 
be  a  train  in  about  two  hours.  They  would  still 
have  time  to  dine  at  the  Kaaterskill  and  return  be 
fore  night.  He  therefore  made  arrangements  to  be 
driven  to  the  station,  also  to  have  the  horse  he  had 
ridden  and  the  saddles,  taken  back  to  the  Under 
Cliff  House. 

There  was  a  faint  after-glow  on  Madge's  cheeks 
when  she  joined  him  at  the  substantial  repast  which 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hobson  insisted  upon  their  partaking 
before  departure  ;  but  in  all  other  respects  she  ap 
peared  and  acted  as  usual.  With  a  fineness  of  tact 
she  was  at  home  among  her  plain  entertainers,  and 
put  them  at  ease.  Mrs.  Hobson  continued  to  speak 
of  her  as  Graydon's  sister,  and  he  had  darted  a 
humorous  glance  at  the  girl  ;  but  it  met  such  grave 
impassiveness  of  expression  that  he  feared  she  was 
angry. 

When  parting  from  her  hostess  Madge  spoke 
words  which  left  a  genial  expression  on  the  good 
dame's  face  for  hours  thereafter,  and  at  the  station 
Graydon  put  in  Mr.  Hobson's  hand  more  than  he 


"YOU  ARE    VERY  BLIND."  433 

could  have  gathered   from  his   stony  farm  that  day, 
although  he  had  been  called  from  the  harvest  field. 

During  the  first  mile  or  two  in  the  cars  Madge 
\vas  very  quiet,  and  seemed  almost  wholly  engross 
ed  with  the  scenery.  At  last  Graydon  leaned 
toward  her  and  asked,  "  Are  you  vexed  with  me, 
Madge?" 

I  find  that  I  must  maintain  my  self-control 
when  with  you,  Graydon,"  was  the  grave  reply. 

Forgive  me,  Maclge.  I  scarcely  knew  what  I 
was  doing.  Let  your  thoughts  take  my  part  a  little. 
Remember  that  within  the  hour  I  had  believed  T 
had  lost  you.  I  haven't  had  a  chance  to  tell  you 
yet,  but  when  you  passed  under  the  train  you  ap 
peared  from  where  I  was  to  dash  into  it,  and  I 
nearly  fainted  and  fell  off  my  horse.  Think  what  a 
horrible  shock  I  had.  I  also  was  nervous  and  all 
broken  up, — the  first  time  in  my  life  that  I  remem 
ber  being  so.  I  couldn't  cry  as  you  did,  and  when 
off  my  balance  kissing  you  was  just  as  natural  to  me 
as — 

Madge's  mouth  had  been  twitching,  and  now,  in 
spite  of  herself,  her  laugh  broke  forth. 

Please  forgive  me,  Madge  ;"  and  he  held  out  his 

o  o 

hand. 

(  )n  condition  that  you  will  never  do  so  again, 
or  speak  of  it  again." 

Never.-'"  he  repeated,  ruefully. 

Xever  !"  she  said,  with  severe  emphasis. 

1  won't  make  an}-  such  promise,"  he  replied, 
stubbornly. 

Oh,  very  well  !"  and  she  turned  to  the  window. 


434  ^    YOUNG    GIIU.'S   U'OOIXG. 

"  Confound  it  !M  he  thought  ;  "  I'm  not  going  to 
tic  myself  up  by  any  such  pledge.  I'm  not  sure  of 
myself,  or  sure  of  anything,  except  that  I'm  a  free 
man,  and  that  Madge  won't  be  my  sister.  I  shall 
remain  free.  She  herself  once  said  in  effect  that  I 
could  take  a  straight  course  when  once  I  got  my 
bearings,  and  I  shall  permit  no  more  promises  or 
trammels  till  I  do  get  them." 

The}'  passed  speedily  on  to  the  end  of  their  jour 
ney,  and  were  the  perfection  of  quiet,  well-bred 
travellers,  he  disguising  a  slightly  vexatious  con 
straint  and  sense  of  unduly  severe  punishment,  and 
she  secretly  exulting  over  the  fact  that  he  would 
not  make  the  promise. 

When  leaving  the  Kaaterskill  station  her  eyes 
first  rested  on  the  adjacent  lake,  and  its  wide  extent 
suggested  the  opportunity  to  pull  an  oar  to  some 
purpose.  As  the  stage  surmounted  the  last  ap 
proach  to  the  hotel,  and  the  valley  of  the  Hudson, 
with  the  river  winding  through  it  like  a  silver  band, 
broke  upon  her  vision,  the  apparent  cloud  passed 
from  her  brow,  and  her  pleasure  was  unaffected.  A 
few  inquiries  and  the  study  of  a  map  of  the  vicinity 
made  it  evident  that  the  region  abounded  in  superb 
walks  and  drives,  while  from  the  front  piazza  there 
was  a  panorama  that  would  never  lose  its  changing 
interest  and  beauty.  A  suite  of  rooms  was  selected, 
with  the  understanding  that  they  should  be  occu 
pied  on  Wednesday. 

Madge  soon  found  herself  the  object  of  no  little 
curiosity  and  interest.  The  story  of  her  mad  ride 
had  reached  the  house,  and  she  was  recognized  by 


435 

sonic  who  had  been  on  the  train  ;  but  Graydon 
met  inquiries  in  such  a  way  that  they  were  not 
pushed  very  far.  To  a  reporter  he  said,  "  Is  this 
affair  ours  or  the  public's  ?  \Ve  have  not  trespassed 
on  an}'  one's  rights." 

lie  reassured  Madge  by  saying,  "Don't  worry 
about  it  ;  such  things  are  only  the  talk  of  a  day." 

They  returned  during  the  afternoon.  Graydon's 
manner  was  courtesy  itself,  and  but  little  more  ; 
but  he  was  becoming  a  vigilant  student  of  his 
companion,  and  she  soon  was  dimly  aware  of  the 
fact. 

'  I  will  understand  her,"  he  had  resolved.  '  I 
intend  to  get  my  bearings,  and  then  shape  my 
course,  for  I  cannot  help  feeling  that  the  destiny  of 
the  little  girl  who  used  to  sit  on  my  lap,  with  her 
head  on  my  shoulder,  is  in  some  way  interwoven 
with  mine.  Even  when  I  believed  myself  in  love 
with  another  woman  she  had  more  power  over  me 
than  Stella, — more  power  to  kindle  thought  and 
awaken  my  deeper  nature.  I  begin  to  think  that 
all  her  talk  about  being  a  friend,  good  fellow,  etc.. 
is  greater  nonsense  than  my  fraternal  proposals. 
No  friend,  fellow,  or  sister  could  make  my  heart 
beat  as  it  did  to-day.  No  human  being  in  mortal 
peril  could  have  awakened  such  desperate,  reckless 
despair  as  I  felt  at  one  time,  and  "  (with  a  smile  to 
lumself)  "  I  never  knew  what  a  kiss  was  before 
I'm  not  the  fool  to  ignore  all  these  symptoms.  I'll 
fathom  the  mystery  of  this  sweet,  peerless  girl,  if  it 
takes  all  summer  and  all  my  life." 

But  the  fair  enigma  at  his  side  grew  more  inscru- 


table.      Neither  by  tone  nor  glance  did  she  indicate 
that  he  was  more  to  her  than  she  had  said. 

'  Do  you  wish  to  recognize  the  scenes  we  passed 
over  this  morning?"  he  asked,  gently,  as  they  ap 
proached  them. 

''  No,    not  yet.      I    don't   wish   to   think  about  it 
any  more  than  I  can  help." 
'  Your  wishes  are  mine." 

"  Occasionally,  perhaps." 
'  You  shall  see." 
I  usually  do,"  was  her  laughing  answer. 

But  she  began  to  appear  very  weary,  and  when 
they  reached  the  Under  Cliff  House  she  went  to  her 
room,  and  did  not  reappear  again  that  day. 

Gray  don  made  even  Dr.  Sommers's  ruddy  cheek 
grow  pale  by  his  brief  narrative,  adding,  "  Perhaps 
her  nerves  have  received  a  severer  shock  than  she 
yet  understands.  I  wish  you  would  tell  Mrs.  Muir 
the  story,  making  as  light  of  it  as  you  can,  and  with 
her  aid  you  can  insure  that  Miss  Alden  obtains  the 
rest  and  tonics  she  needs.  You  can  also  meet  and 
quiet  the  rumors  that  may  be  flying  about,  and 
you  know  that  Miss  Alden  has  a  strong  aversion  to 
being  talked  to  or  of  about  personal  affairs." 

In  youth,  health,  and  sleep  Madge  found  the  best 
restoratives,  and  the  morning  saw  her  little  the 
worse  for  the  experiences  of  the  previous  clay.  The 
hours  passed  quickly  in  preparations  for  departure 
and  in  a  call  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wendall,  who 
gave  evidence  that  they  were  becoming  more 
resigned. 

''  I  am  at  work  again,"   said  the  fanner,  "  and  so 


is  Xancy.  There's  nothing  else  for  us  to  do  but 
plod  toward  home,  where  Tilly  is." 

Regret  was  more  general  and  sincere  than  is  usual 
when  the  transient  associations  of  a  resort  are 
broken.  Dr.  Sommcrs's  visage  could  not  lengthen 
literally,  and  vet  it  approached  as  nearly  to  a  fune 
real  aspect  as  was  possible.  He  brightened  up, 
however,  when  Madge  slipped  something  into  his 
hand  "  for  the  chapel.  " 

They  were  soon  comfortably  established  in  their 
new  quarters,  and  in  the  late  afternoon  Madge  was 
so  rested  that  she  took  a  short  walk  with  Graydon 
to  Sunset  Rock,  and  saw  the  shadows  deepen  in  the 
vast,  beautiful  Kaaterskill  Clove.  Then  they  re 
turned  by  the  ledge  path.  At  last  they  entered  the 
wonderful  1'alenvillc  Road,  a  triumph  of  practical 
engineering,  and  built  by  a  plain  mountaineer,  who, 
from  the  base  of  the  mountain  to  the  summit,  made 
his  surveys  and  sloped  his  grades  by  the  aid  of  his 
eye  only. 

They  had  been  comparatively  silent,  and  Graydon 
finally  remarked  :  "  It  gives  me  unalloyed  pleasure, 
Madge,  to  look  upon  such  scenes  with  you.  There 
is  no  need  of  my  pointing  out  anything.  I  feel  that 
you  see  more  than  I  do,  and  I  understand  better 
what  I  do  see  from  the  changing  expression  ot  your 
eyes.  l)on't  you  think  such  unspoken  appreciation 
of  the  same  thing  is  the  basis  of  true  companion- 


O  Graydon,  what  an  original  thought  !" 
lie  bit  his  lip,  and  remarked  that  the  evening  was 
Tov/inii  cool. 


.},vs  '•?     YOUNG  GfjRj.'S    U'OOIXG. 

At  supper  and  during  the  evening  his  vigilance 
\vas  not  rewarded  in  the  slightest  degree.  Madge 
appeared  in  good  spirits,  and  talked  charmingly, 
even  brilliantly  at  times,  but  she  was  exceedingly 
impersonal,  and  it  was  now  his  policy  to  follow  her 
slightest  lead  in  everything.  He  would  prove  that 
her  wish  was  his,  as  far  as  he  knew  it. 

"  Some  day,"  he  thought,  "  I  shall  find  a  clew  to 
her  mystery. " 

The  next  morning  Graydon  went  to  the  city,  and 
would  not  return  till  Friday  evening  of  the  follow 
ing  week,  for  it  was  now  his  purpose  to  resume 
business.  In  the  evening  he  and  his  brother  dis 
cussed  their  affairs,  which  were  beginning  to  im 
prove  all  along  the  line.  Then  their  talk  converged 
more  upon  topics  connected  with  this  story,  and 
among  them  was  Mr.  Wildmcre's  suspension. 

His  failure  don't  amount  to  very  much,"  Henry 
remarked  ;  "he  has  always  done  business  in  a  sort 
of  hand-to-mouth  way." 

"  I  am  surprised  that  Arnault  permitted  him  to 
go  down,"  Graydon  said  ;  "it  couldn't  have  taken 
very  much  to  keep  him  up." 

"It  is  said  that  Arnault  will  have  nothing  to  do 
with  him,  and  that  this  fact  has  hastened  his  down 
fall." 

'  Well,  so  she  played  it  too  sharp  on  him,  also. 
I  was  in  hopes  that  she  would  marry  and  punish 
him.  I  don't  wonder  at  his  course,  though  ;  for  if 
he  has  a  spark  of  spirit  he  would  not  forgive  her 
treatment  after  she  learned  that  you  had  not  failed. 
Oh,  how  blind  I  was  !" 


11  YOU   AA'E    \'EKY   BUXI)."  439 

Yes,  Graydon,  you  are  very  blind,"  said  Mr. 
Muir,  inadvertently. 

Are  ?  '     Why  do  you   use   the  present  tense  ?" 

Did   I  ?"  replied    Mr.  Muir,  a  little  confusedly. 
Well,    you    see,    Madge   and    I    understood    Miss 
Wildmere  from  the  first." 

Oh,  hang  Miss  Wildmere  !  Do  you  think 
Madge — 

Now  stop  right  there,  Graydon.  I  think 
Madge  is  the  best  and  most  sensible  girl  I  ever 
knew,  and  that's  all  you  will  ever  get  out  of  me." 

Pardon  me,  Henry.  I  spoke  from  impulse,  and 
not  a  worthy  one,  either.  I  tell  you  point  blank, 
however,  that  Madge  Alden  hasn't  her  equal  in  the 
world.  I  would  love  her  in  a  moment  if  I  dared. 
Would  to  Heaven  I  could  have  spent  some  time 
with  her  immediately  after  my  return  !  In  that  case 
there  would  have  been  no  Wildmere  folly.  I  de 
clare,  Henry,  when  I  thought  she  must  be  killed  the 
other  day  I  felt  that  the  end  of  my  own  life  had 
come.  I  can't  tell  you  what  that  girl  is  to  me  ;  but 
with  her  knowledge  of  the  past  how  can  I  approach 
her  in  decency  ?" 

Well,"  said  Mr.  Muir,  shrugging  his  shoulders 
and  rising  to  retire,  "  you  are  out  of  the  worst  part 
of  your  scrape,  and  Madge  is  alive  and  well.  This 
is  not  a  little  to  be  thankful  for.  I  shall  confine 
my  advice  to  business  matters.  Still,  were  I  in 
your  shoes,  I  know  what  I  should  do.  '  Faint 
heart, 'you  know.  Good-night." 

Graydon   did    not   move,  or  scarcely  answer,  but, 
with      every     faculty    of     mind     concentrated,     he 


440 

thought,  "  Henry's  explanation  of  his  use  of  the 
present  tense  does  not  explain,  and  there  is  more 
meaning  in  what  he  left  unsaid  in  our  recent  inter 
view  than  in  what  he  said.  Can  it  be  possible  ? 
Let  me  take  this  heavenly  theory  and,  as  we  weiv 
taught  at  college,  see  how  much  there  is  to  support 
it.  Was  there  any  change  in  her  manner  toward 
me  before  we  parted  years  since  ?  Why,  she  was 
taken  ill  that  night  when  she  first  met  Miss  Wild- 
mere,  and  I  stayed  away  from  her  so  long— idiot  !" 

From  that  hour  he  went  forward,  scanning  even- 
thing  that  had  occurred  between  them,  until  he  saw 
again  her  flushing  face  and  startled  eyes  when  he 
kissed  her,  and  his  belief  grew  strong  that  it  was  his 
immense  good  fortune  to  fulfil  the  prediction  that 
Madge  should  be  happy. 

The  thought  kept  him  sleepless  most  of  that 
night,  and  made  the  time  which  must  intervene  be 
fore  he  could  see  her  again  seem  long  indeed.  He 
did  his  utmost  to  get  the  details  of  his  department 
well  in  hand  during  business  hours  ;  but  after  they 
were  over  his  mind  returned  at  once  to  Madge,  and 
never  did  a  scientist  hunt  for  facts  and  hints  in  sup 
port  of  a  pet  theory  so  eagerly  as  did  Graydon  scan 
the  past  for  confirmation  of  his  hope,  that  long- 
years  of  companionship  had  given  him  a  place  in 
Madge's  heart  which  no  one  else  possessed,  and  that 
his  blindness  or  indifference  to  the  truth  was  the 
sorrow  of  her  life.  This  view  explained  why  she 
would  not  regard  herself  as  his  sister,  and  could  not 
permit  the  intimacy  natural  to  the  relation. 

When  he  examined  the  attitude  of  his  own  heart 


11  YOU  AR.E    VERY  BLIXD."  441 

to \vard  her  he  was  not  surprised  that  his  affection 
was  passing  swiftly  into  a  love  cleqper  and  far  more 
absorbing"  than  Stella  Wildmere  had  ever  inspired. 

'  The  old  law  of  cause  and  effect,"  he  said,  smil 
ing  to  himself,  "  and  I  can  imagine  no  effect  in  me 
adequate  to  the  cause.  Even  when  she  scarcely 
cast  a  shadow  she  was  more  companionable  than 
Stella,  but  it  never  occurred  to  me  to  think  of  her 
in  any  other  light  than  that  of  little  sister  MadgC. 
Almost  as  soon  as  the  thought  occurred  to  me,  and 
I  had  a  right  to  love  her,  love  became  as  natural  as 
it  was  inevitable.  Even  in  the  height  of  my  infatu 
ation  for  Stella,  Madge  was  winning  me  from  her 

o  o 

unconsciously  to  myself." 

Such  thoughts  and  convictions  imparted  a  gentle 
and  almost  caressing  tone  to  his  words  when  Madge 
welcomed  and  accompanied  him  to  his  late  supper 
on  his  return  to  the  mountains. 

This  significant  accent  was  more  marked  than 
ever  when  she  promenaded  with  him  for  a  brief  time 
on  the  piaz/.a.  Nor  did  a  little  brusqueness  on  her 
part  banish  the  tone  and  manner  which  were  slight 
indeed,  but  unmistakable  to  her  quick  intuition. 

Could  Henry  have  given  him  a  hint  ?"  she  que 
ried  ;  and  her  brow  contracted  and  her  eyes  flashed 
indignantly  at  the  thought. 

As  a  result  of  the  suspicion,  she  left  him  speedily, 
,ind  in  the  morning  \vas  glad  to  hope,  from  his  more 
natural  bearing,  that  she  had  been  over-sensitive. 

The  sagacious  (iraydon,  however,  was  maturing  a 
plan  which  he  hoped  would  bring  her  the  happiness 
which  it  would  be  his  happiness  to  confer. 


"She  is  so  proud  and  spirited,"  lie  thought, 
"  that  only  when  surprised  and  off  her  guard  will 
she  reveal  to  me  a  glimpse  of  the  truth.  If  I  con 
sulted  my  own  pride  I  wouldn't  speak  for  a  long 
time  to  come, — not  till  she  had  ceased  to  associate: 
me  with  Stella  Wildmere  ;  but  if  she  is  loving  rm: 
as  I  believe  she  would  love  a  man,  she  shall  not 
doubt  an  hour  longer  than  I  can  help,  that  I  and 
my  life's  devotion  are  hers.  Sweet  Madge,  you 
shall  make  your  own  terms  again  !' 


H 


CHAPTER    XXXVIII. 
"CERTAINLY  I  KKFI'SK  YOU." 
AYIXG    heard    that   one   of   the   finest  views 


Indian  Head,  a  vast  overhanging  precipice  facing 
toward  the  entrance  to  the  Kaaterskill  Clove,  Gray- 
don  easily  induced  Madge  to  explore  with  him  the 
tangled  paths  which  led  thither. 

How  his  eyes  exulted  over  her  as  she  tripped  on 
before  him  down  the  steep,  winding,  rocky  paths  ! 
As  he  followed  he  often  wondered  where  her  feet 
had  found  their  secure  support,  so  rugged  was  the 
way.  Vet  on  she  glanced  before  him,  swaying, 
bending  to  "avoid  branches,  or  pushing  them  aside. 
her  motions  instinct  with  vitality  and  natural  grace. 

Once,  however,  he  had  a  fright.  She  was  taking 
a  deep  descent  swiftly,  when  her  skirt  caught  on  a 
stubborn  projecting  stump  of  a  sapling,  and  it  ap 
peared  that  she  would  fall  headlong  ;  but  by  some 
surprising,  self-recovering  power,  which  seemed  ex 
erted  even  in  the  act  of  falling,  she  lay  before 
him  in  the  path,  almost  as  if  reclining  easily  upon 
her  elbow,  and  was  nearly  on  her  feet  again  before 
he  could  reach  her  side. 


.144  -1    yOLT.VG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

"Are   you    hurt?"    he   asked,    most    solicitously, 
brushing  off  the  dust  from  her  dress. 

Not  in  the  least,"  she  replied,  laughing. 

'  Well,"  he  exclaimed,  "  I  don't  believe  you  or 
an}"  one  else  could  do  that  so  handsomely  again  if 
you  tried  a  thousand  times  !  Don't  try,  please.  I 
carried  you  the  other  day  some  little  distance,  and 
found  that  you  were  no  longer  a  little  ghost." 

'  You  carried  me,  Graydon  ?  I  thought  the  peo 
ple  from  the  fa'rmhouse  came." 

Oh,  I  didn't  wait   for  them  !      I  \vas  half  beside 
myself." 

Evidently,"  she  replied,  a  little  coolly. 
Her  tone  made  him  falter  in  his  purpose,  and 
\vhen  at  last  they  reached  Indian  Head,  she  was  so 
resolutely  impersonal  in  her  talk,  and  had  so  much 
to  say  about  the  history  and  the  legends  of  the 
region  of  which  she  had  read,  that  he  felt  that  she 
was  in  no  mood  for  what  he  intended  to  say.  As 
the  time  passed  he  grew  nervously  apprehensive 
over  his  project,  and  at  last  they  started  on  their 
return  with  his  plan  unfulfilled.  They  agreed  to 
try  a  path  to  their  left,  which  was  scarcely  distin 
guishable,  and  it  soon  appeared  to  end  at  a  point 
that  sloped  almost  perpendicularly  to  a  wild  gorge 
that  ran  up  between  the  hills. 

'  That  must  bu  what  is  down  on  the  map  as 
Tamper  Clove,"  said  Madge  ;  "  and  do  you  know, 
some  think  that  it  was.  up  that  valley  Irving  made 
poor  Rip  carry  the  heavy  keg  ?  Oh,  I  wish  we 
could  get  down  into  it  and  go  back  that  way  !" 

"  Let  me  explore  ;"  and    he  began  swinging  him- 


"CERTAINLY   I  REFl  '.S7-:    }'0t7."  445 

self  down  by  the  ai4jt>f  saplings  and  smaller  growth. 
"  Some  one  l^as  passed  here  recently,"  he  called 
hack,  "for  trees  are  freshly  blazed  and  branches 
broken.  Yes,"  he  cried,  a  moment  later;  "  here  is 
a  well -defined  path  leading  up  the  clove  toward  the 
hotel.  Do  you  think  you  dare  attempt  it  ?" 

Certainly,"  she  answered  ;  and  before  he  could 
reach  her  she  was  half  way  down  the  descent. 

Madge  !"  he  cried,  in  alarm. 

Oh,  don't  worry,"  she  said  ;  "  I  was  over  worse 
places  in  the  West." 

Well,  what  can't  she  do  !"  he  exclaimed,  as  she 
stood  beside  him  in  the  path. 

I  can't  give  up  my  own  way  very  easily,"  she 
replied.  '  You  have  found  that  out." 

That  don't  trouble  me  in  the  least.  I  don't 
wish  you  to  give  up  your  own  way.  It's  warm 
down  here,  and  our  walk  won't  be  so  breezy  as  if 
we  had  followed  the  ridge." 

We  will  take  it  leisurely  and  have  a  rest  by  and 
by." 

The  gorge  grew  narrower  and  wilder.  They 
passed  an  immense  tree,  under  which  Indians  may 
have  bivouacked,  and  in  some  storm  long  past  the 
lightning  had  ploughed  its  way  from  the  topmost 
branch  to  its  gnarled  roots. 

At  last  the  path  crossed  a  little  rill  that  tinkled 
with  a  faint  murmur  among  the  stones,  making  a 
limpid  pool  here  and  there.  Immense  boulders, 
draped  with  varied-hued  mosses  and  lichens,  were 
scattered  about,  where  in  ages  past  the  melting 
glacier  had  left  them.  The  trees  that  densely 


446  <•!    I'OrA'G   GIKL'S   ITOOLVG. 

shaded  the  place  seemed  primeval  in  their  age,  lofti 
ness,  and  shaggy  girth.  -  « 

"  Oh,  \vhat  a  deliciously  cool  and  lovely  spot  !" 
cried  Madge,  throwing  down  her  alpenstock.  "  Get 
me  some  oak  leaves,  Graydon,  and  I  will  make  you 
a  cup  and  give  you  a  drink." 

In  a  moment  she  made  a  fairy  chalice  with  the 
aid  of  little  twigs,  and  when  she  handed  it  to  him, 
dripping  with  water,  his  hand  trembled  as  he  took  it. 

"  Why,  Graydon,"  she  exclaimed,  "  what  on 
earth  makes  you  so  nervous?" 

I   am  not   used  to  climbing,  and   I  suppose  my 
hand  has  a  little  tremor  from  fatigue." 

'  You  poor  thing  !  Here  is  a  mossy  rock  on 
which  you  can  imitate  Rip.  You  have  only  to  im 
agine  that  my  leaf  goblet  is  the  goblin  flagon  of 
Irving's  legend." 

Where   and    what   would   you   be   after  twenty 
years  ?" 

Probably  a  wrinkled  spinster  at  Santa  Barbara." 

"  You  wouldn't  go  away  and  leave  me  ?" 

"  Certainly  I  would,  if  I  couldn't  wake  you  up." 

He  looked  into  her  mirthful  eyes  and  lovely  face. 
Oh,  how  lovely  it  was,  flushed  from  heat  and  climb 
ing  !  "  Madge,"  he  said,  impetuously,  "you  have 
waked  me, — every  faculty  of  my  soul,  every  long 
ing  of  my  heart.  Will  you  be  my  wife  ?" 

Her  face  grew  scarlet.  She  sprung  to  her  feet, 
and  asked,  with  half  serious,  half  comic  dismay, 

Will  I  be  your  ivJiat  /" 

I   asked  you   to  be  my  wife,"  he  began,  con 
fusedly. 


"  O  Graydon,  this  is  worse  than  asking  me  to  be 
your  sister  !"  she  replied,  laughing.  '  Your  alterna 
tions  fairly  make  me  dizzy." 

"Truly,  Madge,"  he  stammered,  "a  man  can 
scarcely  pay  a  woman  a  greater  compliment— 

"  Oh,  it's  a  compliment  !"  she  interrupted. 

"  No,"  he  burst  out,  with  more  than  his  first  im 
petuosity  ;  "  I'm  in  earnest.  You,  who  almost  read 
my  thoughts,  know  that  I  am  in  earnest, — that — 

By  a  strong  yet  simple  gesture  she  checked  him. 

You  scarcely  realize  what  you  are  asking,  Gray 
don,"  she  said,  gravely.  '  I  have  no  doubt  your 
present  emotion  is  unforced  and  sincere,  but  it  re 
quires  time  to  prove  earnestness.  You  were  equally 
sure  you  were  in  earnest  a  short  time  since,  and  I 
had  little  place,  comparatively,  in  your  thoughts." 
'  But  I  did  not  know  you  then  as  I  do  now. " 
'  You  thought  you  did.  You  had  vivid  impres 
sions  then  about  me,  and  more  vivid  about  another 
woman.  You  are  acting  now  under  another  im 
pression,  and  from  impulse.  If  I  ever  give  myself 
away  it  shall  not  be  in  response  to  an  impulse." 
Madge,  you  misjudge  me--  '  he  began,  hotly. 
I  think  1  know  most  of  the  facts,  and  you  know 
how  matter-of-fact  I  am.  You  may  think  I  do  not 
know  what  love  is,  but  1  do.  It  is  a  priceless 
thing.  It  is  a  woman's  life,  and  all  that  makes  a 
true  woman's  life.  It  is  something  that  one  cannot 
always  give  at  will,  or  wisely  ;  but  if  I  had  the  power 
to  give  it  at  all,  it  should  be  to  a  man  who  had 
earned  the  right  to  ask  it,  and  not  to  one  who, 
within  a  few  short  days,  had  formed  new  imprcs- 


448  A    YOLJXG   GIRL'S   WOOING. 

sions  about  me.  Love  is  not  the  affection  of  a 
friend,  or  even  of  a  sister.  There  is  no  necessity 
for  me  to  marry." 

'  Then  you  refuse  me  ?"  he  said,  a  little  stiffly. 
"  Certainly    I    refuse    you,    Graydon.      Has    my 
manner  led  you  to   think    that    I    was   eager   for   a 
chance  to  accept  you  ?" 

"  Oh  no,  indeed  !  You  have  checked  my  slight 
est  tendencies  toward  sentiment." 

'  Thank  you  for  the  assurance.  I  do  not  care  in 
the  least  for  sentiment." 

His  airy  fabric  of  hope,  of  almost  certainty,  had 
been  shattered  so  suddenly  that  he  was  over 
whelmed.  There  seemed  but  one  conclusion. 

Madge,"  he  said,  in  a  low,  hoarse  voice,  "  an 
swer  me,  yes  or  no.  You  loved  some  one  at  Santa 
Barbara  who  did  not  return  your  love  ?  That  is 
your  trouble  of  which  Mrs.  \Vendall  spoke — I  could 
not  help  hearing  her  words — that  is  the  mysterv 
about  you  which  has  been  haunting  me  with  increas 
ing  perplexity  ;  that  was  the  sorrow  I  heard  in  your 
voice  the  evening  you  sung  in  the  chapel,  and 
which  has  vaguely,  yet  strongly,  moved  me  since  ? 
Tell  me,  is  it  not  'so  ?  Tell  me,  as  a  friend,  that  I 
may  be  a  truer  friend." 

She  had  turned  away  in  a  manner  that  confirmed 
his  thought. 

'  You  are  suggesting  a  humiliating  confession, 
Graydon." 

'  Yes,  humiliating  to  the  man  who  saw  you, 
knew  you,  yet  did  not  love  you.  Tell  me,  Madge. 
It  will  make  my  own  course  clearer." 


"CERTAINLY  I  REFUSE    YOU."  449 

'  Yes,  then,"  she  replied. 

He  sighed  deeply,  and  was  silent  for  a  few  mo 
ments. 

"  Madge,"  he  at  last  resumed,  "  look  at  me.  I 
wish  to  tell  you  something." 

She  turned  slowly  toward  him,  and  he  saw  that 
her  lip  was  trembling,  and  that  tears  were  gathering 
in  her  eyes. 

'  You  may  think  me  cruel  in  wringing  such  a 
confession  from  you,  but  perhaps  you  will  forgive 
me  when  you  hear  all  I  have  to  say.  You  may 
look  upon  me  now  as  a  creature  of  impulses  and  im 
pressions.  The  memory  of  my  recent  infatuation  is 
fresh  in  your  mind,  but  you  yourself  said  I  could  be 
straightforward  when  once  I  got  my  bearings.  I 
have  them  now,  and  I  take  my  course.  As  a  friend 
you  have  revealed  to  me  much  of  your  woman's 
nature,  and,  having  known  the  best,  I  shall  not  look 
for  anything  less  than  yours.  I  shall  be  devoted 
to  you  through  life.  I  will  be  to  you  all  that  I 
can  be,  all  that  you  will  permit.  It  is  said  that 
time  heals  all  wounds.  Perhaps  some  day,  well, 
if  it  ever  can  be,  I  should  be  content  to  take  what 
you  could  give.  You  said  I  was  kind  and  patient 
with  the  little  ghost.  I  should  be  far  kinder, 
gentler- 
She  had  felt  herself  going  fast,  and  had  almost 
yielded  to  the  impulse  to  exclaim,  "  You,  Graydon, 
arc  the  one  who  did  not  return  my  love  ;  and 
although  your  love  has  been  so  brief  and  untested 
compared  with  mine,  I  will  trust  you  ;"  when  voices 
were  heard  on  the  same  path  by  which  they  had 


45°  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

come,  and  the  figures  of  other  ramblers  were  seen 
indistinctly  throught  the  foliage. 

She  gave  his  hand  a  strong  pressure,  seized  her 
alpenstock,  and  hastened  swiftly  forward.  The 
path  soon  afterward  emerged  on  the  public  road. 
The  breeze  cooled  her  hot  cheeks,  kissed  away  her 
tears,  and  half  an  hour  later  they  approached  the 
hotel,  chatting  as  quietly  as  the  strictest  conven 
tionality  would  require. 


CHAPTER    XXXIX. 

"MY    TRUE    FRIEND." 

THEY  found  that  Mr.  Muir  had  arrived,  and  no 
family  party  in  the  long  supper-room  appeared 
more  free  from  disturbing  thoughts  and  memories 
than  the  one  gathered  at  the  banker's  table.  In 
Madge  the  keen-eyed  man  could  detect  nothing 
that  was  unusual,  and  in  Graydon  only  a  trace  of 
the  dignity  and  seriousness  \vhich  would  inevitably 
follow  some  deep  experience  or  earnest  purpose. 
They  all  spent  the  evening  and  the  greater  part  of 
the  following  day  together,  and  Madge  was  touched 
more  than  once  by  observing  that  Graydon  sought 
unobtrusively  to  comply  with  even  her  imagined 
\vishes  and  to  enhance  the  point  and  interest  of  her 
spoken  thoughts. 

In  answer  to  his  direct  question  she  had  acknowl 
edged  the  absolute  truth,  and  yet  it  had  proved 
more  misleading  than  all  the  disguises  which  her 
maidenly  reserve  had  compelled  her  to  adopt.  It 
seemed  now  that  she  would  have  no  further  trouble 
with  him, — that  he  had  defined  his  purpose,  and 
would  abide  by  it.  She  was  glad  that  she  had  not 
yielded  to  his  appeal  and  rewarded  him  in  the  first 
consciousness  of  his  new  regard  for  her.  This  feel- 


452  'i  vor.vc  GTRI:S  WOOIXG. 

ing  had  seemed  too  recent,  tumultuous,  and  full  of 
impulse,  and  did  not  accord  with  her  earnest,  chas 
tened  spirit,  that  had  attained  the  goal  of  its  hope 
by  such  patient  endeavor.  She  preferred  that  the 
first  strong  outflow  from  his  heart  should  find  wide, 
deep  channels,  and  that  his  love  for  her  should  take 
the  same  recognized  place  in  his  life  that  her  love 
had  occupied  so  long  in  her  own.  She  also  had  a 
genuine  and  feminine  reluctance  that  the  suitor  of 
Stella  Wildmere  should  be  known  as  her  lover  so 
speedily,  and  something  more  and  deeper  than  good 
taste  was  the  cause  of  her  aversion. 

Yet  she  was  exceedingly  happy.  The  hope  that 
had  sustained  her  so  long,  that  had  been  so  nearly 
lost,  now  seemed  certain  of  fulfilment,  and  no  one 
but  she  and  God  knew  how  much  this  truth  meant. 
Only  He  had  been  her  confidant,  and  she  felt  that 
she  had  been  sustained  in  her  struggle  from  weak 
ness  to  strength  by  a  Power  that  was  not  human. 
and  guided  during  the  past  weeks  by  a  wisdom  be 
yond  her  own. 

lie  has  proved  to  me  a  good  Father,"  was  her 
simple  belief.  '  He  led  me  to  do  the  best  I  could 
for  myself,  and  then  did  the  rest.  I  also  am  sure 
He  would  have  sustained  me  had  I  failed  utterly. 
That  my  life  would  not  have  been  vain  and  useless 
was  shown  when  I  saved  little  Nellie  Wilder." 

Thus  it  may  be  seen  that  she  was  quite  unlike 
many  good  people.  In  her  consciousness  God  was 
not  a  being  to  be  worshipped  decorously  and  then 
counted  out  from  that  which  made  her  real  life  and 
hope. 


"MY    TRUE  •/••AYA'.YY). "  45 3 

The  future  now  stretched  away  full  of  rest  and 
glad  assurance.  Graydon's  manner  already  began 
to  fulfil  his  promise.  He  would  quietly  accept  the 
situation  as  he  understood  it,  and  she  saw  already 
the  steadying  power  of  an  unselfish,  unfaltering 
purpose.  He  appeared  by  years  an  older  and  a 
graver  man,  and  when  he  sat  by  her  during  the  ser 
vice  in  the  wide  parlor,  there  was  not  a  trace  of  his 
old  flippant  irreverence.  Whatever  he  now  believed, 
he  had  attained  the  higher  breeding  which  respects 
what  is  sacred  to  others. 

She  had  but  little  compunction  over  his  self-sacri 
ficing  mood.  It  was  perfectly  clear  that  by  quiet, 
manly  devotion  he  proposed  to  help  "  time  heal  the 
wound  "  made  by  that  "  idiot"  at  Santa  Barbara. 
and  she  that  she  could  gradually  reveal  to  him  so 
much  improvement  that  equanimity  anil  at  last 
hope  would  find  a  place  in  his  mind. 

They  parted  Monday  morning  with  a  brief, 
strong  pressure  of  hands,  which  Gray  don  felt  con 
veyed  volumes  of  sympathy  and  mutual  under 
standing.  She  had  said  that  he  could  write  to  her, 
and  lie  found  he  had  so  much  to  say  that  he  had  to 
put  a  strong  constraint  upon  himself. 

Mr.  Muir  had  watched  them  curiously  during  his 
stay  in  the  mountains,  and  felt  that  something  had 
occurred  which  he  could  not  fathom.  Graydon's 
manner  at  parting  and  since,  during  business  hours, 
had  confirmed  this  impression.  He  was  almost  as 
grave  and  reticent  as  the  banker  himself,  and  the 
latter  began  to  chafe  and  grow  irritable  over  the 
problem  which  he  was  bent  on  seeing  solved  in  but 


454  - 

one  way.  He  looked  askance  and  discontentedly  at 
Graydon  during  dinner  in  the  evening.  When  they 
were  alone  he  was  fidgety  and  rather  curt  in  his  re 
marks.  At  last  he  burst  out,  "  Confound  it  !  What 
has  happened  between  you  and  Madge  ?" 

"  She  has  refused  me,  that's  all,"  \vas  the  quiet 
reply. 

Mr.  Muir  gave  a  low  whistle. 

"  Oh,  I  understood  you  the  other  evening,"  re 
sumed  Graydon.  '  The  phenomenal  penetration 
on  which  you  so  pride  yourself  is  at  fault  for  once." 

The  banker  was  so  nonplussed  that  he  permitted 
his  cigar  to  go  out,  but  he  soon  reached  the  conclu 
sion,  "  He  has  bungled."  '  Well,"  he  asked  at 
last,  "  what  do  you  propose  to  do  ?" 

'  To  be  to  her  all  that  she  will  ever  permit,  and 
die  a  bachelor  for  her  sake  if  I  must." 

Mr.  Muir  lighted  his  Havana  again  and  puffed  in 
silence  for  a  while,  then  said,  "  I  like  that.  Your 
purpose  is  clearly  defined.  In  business  and  every 
thing  else  there  is  solid  comfort  in  knowing  what 
you  can  depend  upon." 

Madge's  replies  to  Graydon's  letters  were  scarcely 
more  than  notes,  but  they  were  breezy  little  affairs, 
fragrant  with  the  breath  of  the  mountains,  and  had 
an  excellent  tonic  effect  in  the  hot  city.  They 
usually  contained  a  description  of  what  she  had  seen 
or  of  some  locality  visited.  On  one  occasion  she 
wrote  : 

"  Late  in  the  afternoon  there  had  been  a  shower, 
not  gentle  and  pattering,  but  one  of  those  frightful, 
passionate  outbursts  which  are  not  infrequent  in 


"MY    7 'ATA    /-'A'. 'A A'/)."  455 

these  mountains.  The  wind  appeared  to  drive  black- 
masses  of  clouds  from  all  directions  save  one,  which, 
meeting  over  the  height  occupied  by  the  hotel,  dis 
charged  torrents  of  rain.  At  last  the  wind  left  the 
writhing  trees  in  peace,  and  carried  the  deeply  shad 
owing  cloud  away  beyond  the  hills.  The  sun  broke 
forth,  and  nature  began  some  magic  work.  Calling 
the  mist  fairies  to  her  aid,  she  gathered  from  every 
ravine  and  clove  delicate  airy  clouds,  which  formed 
a  large  and  rapidly  increasing  mass  of  vapor.  Soon 
the  plain  below — the  wide  Hudson  valley — was  en 
tirely  shut  out,  as  though  a  great  white  curtain  had 
dropped  from  the  sky  to  the  mountain's  base.  Just 
then  the  setting  sun,  which  had  been  temporarily 
obscured,  shone  forth  in  glorious  brightness,  casting 
on  the  beautiful  cloud  curtain  the  dark,  clearly  de 
fined  shadow  of  the  mountain-top,  with  its  crown  of 
buildings,  even  the  towers  and  turrets  showing  with 
startling  distinctness.  It  was  like  a  mammoth,  well- 
cut  cameo,  or  a  gigantic  magic- lantern  effect,  with 
the  sun  as  a  calcium  light. 

The  spectacle  lasted  only  a  few  moments. 
Then  the  cloudy  curtain  parted,  and  the  valley  of 
the  Hudson  was  seen  again,  spanned  by  a  rainbow." 

The  days  lengthened  into  weeks,  Graydon  coming 
ever}'  Friday  afternoon,  and  wonderingly  slightly 
at  the  demurely  radiant  face  that  greeted  him. 

Trul}%"  he  thought,  "  in  the  words  of  the  old 
hymn  she  '  puts  a  cheerful  courage  on.' 

At  times,  however,  she  would  be  a  little  pensive. 
1  hen  his  tones  would  have  a  greater  depth  and 
gentleness,  and  his  sympathy  was  very  sweet. 


4Sf  A    YOUNG   GIKL'S   \l'OOL\G. 

although  she  felt  a  little  guilt}*  because  she  was  in 
no  need  of  it.  She  could  stifle  her  compunction  by 
thinking  : 

There  was  such  a  long,  weary  time  when  I  did 
need  it,  and  was  desolate  because  of  its  absence,  that 
I  must  have  a  little  now  to  offset  those  gray,  lonely 
days." 

She  had  thought  she  loved  him  before,  but  as 
she  saw  him  patiently  and  unselfishly  seeking  to 
brighten  her  life  in  every  possible  way,  with  no  bet 
ter  hope  than  that  at  some  time  in  the  indefinite 
future  she  might  give  him  what  was  left  of  her  heart 
after  the  old  fire  had  died  out,  her  former  affection 
seemed  as  pale  and  shadowy  as  she  was  herself  when 
first  she  learned  that  she  had  a  woman's  heart. 

Late  one  Friday  afternoon  he  startled  her  by  ask 
ing  abruptly,  "  Madge,  what  has  become  of  that 
fellow  out  West  ?" 

Please  don't  speak  about  that  again,"  she  fal 
tered. 

Oh  well,  certainly  not,  if  you  don't  wish  me  to  ; 
but  I  thought  if  there  was  any  chance— 

"  Chance  for  what,  Graydon  ?" 

"  Confound  him  !  I  don't  suppose  1  could  do 
anything.  I  want  to  make  you  happy,  Madge.  ] 
feel  just  like  taking  the  idiot  by  the  ear,  bring 
ing  him  to  you,  and  saying,  '  There,  you  uncon 
scionable  fool,  look  at  that  girl —  You  know 
what  I  mean.  I'm  suggesting  the  spirit,  not  the 
letter  of  my  action.  But,  Madge,  believe  me,  if  I 
could  help  you  at  any  cost  to  myself— 

Is  your  regard  for  me,  of  which  you  spoke,  so 


"MY    7'A'  (  '/<:    FRIEND"  457 

slight   that   you    could    go   to   work  deliberately  to 
bring  that  man  to  me  ?" 

o 

"  There  is  no  regard  about  it.  My  love  for  you 
is  so  great  that  I  would  do  anything  to  make  you 
happy." 

"  Madge,"  called  the  voice  of  Mrs.  Muir,  who  was 
following  them  with  her  husband,  "  where  arc  you 
and  Gray  don  ?" 

'  Here  !"  cried  Madge,  springing  up.  Then  she 
gave  her  hand  to  him,  and  he  saw  that  there  were 
tears  in  her  eyes.  "Graydon,"  she  said,  'I 
couldn't  ask  a  stronger  test  than  that.  I  can't  tell 
you  how  I  appreciate  it.  I  shall  never  impose  any 
such  task  upon  you." 

Don't  hesitate  on  my  account.  I  admit  that  it 
would  be  harder  than  one  of  the  labors  of  Hercules, 
but  you  command  me  now  and  always.  Nothing 
is  so  bad  as  to  know  that  you  are  unhappy." 

Do  I  seem  very  unhappy?" 

'  No,  you  brave  little  woman  !  but  who  could 
guess  the  truth  if  you  were  ?  My  knowledge  is  not 
derived  from  your  usual  manner." 

It  is  a  pity  if  I  cannot  be  patient  when  you  set 
me  so  good  an  example,"  she  said,  as  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Muir  approached. 

When  they  were  alone  again  for  a  brief  time  dur 
ing  the  ramble,  Graydon  resumed  :  '  I  wish  to 
make  sure  of  your  confidence,  Madge  ;  I  wish  you 
to  take  me  at  my  word.  I  don't  think  you  have 
been  quite  just  to  me.  T  am  not  a  cold-blooded 
fellow,  and,  no  doubt,  am  given  .to  impressions  and 
impulses  ;  but  I  think  constancy  is  one  of  my  traits. 


45«  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   ll'OOIXG. 

I  never  wavered  in  my  affection  for  you  until  I  mis 
understood  you  immediately  after  my  return,  and 
then  that  very  misapprehension  kept  me  \vorried 
and  perplexed  much  of  the  time.  I  was  true  to 
Miss  Wildmere  as  long  as  there  was  anything  to  be 
constant  to,  and  yet  for  years  she  was  scarcely  any 
thing  more  than  a  fancy,  a  preference.  Since  my 
return  you  know  just  what  she  was  to  me.  Noth 
ing  is  more  certain  than  that  I  never  loved  her.  I 
did  not  know  what  the  word  meant  then.  There  is 
a  chapter  in  your  history  that  I  don't  know  much 
about,  but  I  am  sure  I  could  make  good  my  word 
to  do  anything  within  my  power  to  bring  you  happi 
ness.  I  have  imagined  that  a  little  management, 
guided  by  tact  and  absolute  fidelity — 

"  Don't  say  anything  more  about  that,  Gray- 
don,"  she  said,  firmly.  "  Not  if  my  heart  broke  a 
thousand  times  would  I  seek  a  man  or  permit  him 
to  be  sought  for  me  in  any  such  way  as  you  sug 
gest." 

'  That's  settled,  then." 

'  That's  settled  forever." 

'  Well,  in  that  case,"  he  said,  with  a  short,  ner 
vous  laugh,  "  there  may  be  a  chance  for  me  within 
the  next  hundred  vcars." 

"  Are  you  so  willing  to  take  a  woman  who  had 
once  given  her  heart  to  another  ?" 

"I  don't  know  anything  about  '  a  woman,'  I 
would  take  yon,  Madge,  under  any  circumstances 
that  I  can  imagine." 

"  Graydon,"  said  Mrs.  Muir,  suddenly  appearing 
around  a  turn  in  the  walk,  "  what  is  the  matter  with 


HMY  TRUE  FRIEND:'  459 

you  ?  Why  can't  you  and  Madge  keep  with  us 
more  ?  For  some  reason  we  are  getting  separated 
all  the  time.  This  is  a  lovely  spot.  Let  us  sit 
down  here  like  a  family  party  and  have  a  little 
music.  I  just  long  to  get  back  home,  so  that 
Madge  may  sing  for  us  as  much  as  we  wish.  Here 
she  would  attract  the  attention  of  strangers,  and 
that  ends  the  matter  ;  and  so  I  feel  as  if  I  had  a 
rare  sinennij  bird,  but  never  a  sonsj.  In  this  secluded 

O  t>  O 

place  no  others  will  hear  you,  Madge." 

'  Very  well.  What  do  you  wish  ?  I  feel  like 
singing. " 

Make  your  own  choice." 

'  I'll  give  you  an  old  song,  then,  about  friend 
ship  ;"  and  with  notes  rivalling  those  of  a  hermit- 
thrush  that  had  been  chanting  vespers  in  the  dense 
woods  near  by,  she  sung  a  quaint  melody,  her  voice 
wakening  faint  echoes  from  the  adjacent  rocks. 
When  she  came  to  the  last  lines  she  gave  Graydon  a 
shy  glance,  which  seemed  to  signify,  "  These  words 
are  for  you." 

"  Kinder  than  Love  is  my  true  friend. 
He'd  die  for  me  if  that  would  end 
My  sorrow.      Yes,  would  live  for  me — 
Suffer  and  live  unselfishly  ; 
And  that  for  him  would  harder  be 
Than  at  my  feet  to  die  for  me." 

As  she  ceased  she  again  encountered  his  steadfast 
gaze  with  a  glance  which  said,  "  Have  I  not  done 
you  justice  ?' ' 

lie  was  satisfied,  and  felt  that  the  presence  of  his 
relatives  had  secured  a  sweeter  answer  than  mitiht 


460  / 

otherwise    have  been   given — an    answer   that   con 
tained  all  he  could  hope  for  then. 

Humph  !"  ejaculated  Mr.  Muir,  very  discon 
tentedly. 

'What  an  appreciative  remark,  Henry!"  said 
Madge,  laughing. 

It  was  ;  and  it  expressed  my  views,"  said  the 
banker,  dryly.  "  Come,  Mary,  let  us  go  home  to 
supper. 

"  Now,  I  think  the  song  very  pretty,"  said  Alary, 
"  only  there  are  no  such  people  nowadays." 

As  Madge  followed  with  Graydon  she  continued 
laughing  softly  to  herself. 

'  You  are  not  hiding  vexation  at  Henry  ?"  Gray 
don  asked. 

Oh  no,  I  understand  Henry.  You  think  I  am 
always  hiding  something.  You  at  least  should  have 
understood  my  song." 

'  Yes,  Madge,"  he  said,  gravely,  "  and  you  also 
made  it  clear  that  you  understood  me.  I  am  con 
tent." 

She  laughed,  imitating  the  ejaculation. 

Henry's  '  humph  !  '  was  too  rich  for  anything. 
It  meant  volumes.  What  sentimental  fools  he 
thinks  us  to  be  !" 

Henry  could  no  more  understand  such  a  song 
than  sing  it,"  was  Graydon's  somewhat  irritable  re 
sponse. 

No  matter.  Such  men  are  invaluable  in  the 
world.  My  nature  is  very  much  in  accord  with 
Henry's,  and  so  far  as  he  has  had  experience,  he  is 
very  sound." 


"MY    TRUE    FRIEXD."  461 

"  With  your  saving  clause  in  mind,  I  agree  with 
you  perfectly  about  Henry,  but  not  about  yourself. 
Your  nature,  Madge,  like  your  voice,  has  a  wide 
compass." 

With  this  one  exception  there  was  no  other 
spoken  reference  during  the  remainder  of  the  sum 
mer  to  the  attitude  toward  her  which  he  now  main 
tained  in  thought  and  action.  The  season  was 
drawing  to  a  close,  and  she  had  enjoyed  the  latter 
part  of  it  beyond  her  fondest  hopes  and  expecta 
tions.  She  made  a  few  congenial  acquaintances  at 
the  hotel,  and  with  them  never  wearied  in  exploring 
the  paths  that  converged  at  the  great  caravansary, 
and  in  visiting  the  various  outlooks  from  which  the 
same  wide  landscapes  presented  ever-changing  as 
pects.  Chief  among  these  friends  was  a  middle- 
aged  artist,  who  was  deeply  imbued  with  the  genius 
of  the  mountains,  and  who  had  no  little  skill  in 
catching  and  idealizing  the  lovely  effects  he  saw. 
He  proved  her  best  guide,  for  he  had  long  haunted 
the  region,  and  the  majority  of  the  paths  were  due 
to  his  taste  and  explorations.  In  such  congenial 
tasks  he  acted  as  agent  for  the  sagacious  and  liberal 
owner  of  the  vast  property,  who  was  so  wise  that  in 
his  dealings  with  nature  he  employed  one  that  loved 
and  understood  her.  To  Madge  the  artist  showed 
his  favorite  nooks  and  haunts,  where  the  wild  beauty 
of  the  hills  dwelt  like  a  living  presence,  and  the 
scenery  not  yet  painted  which,  from  certain  stand 
points,  almost  composed  itself  on  the  canvas.  Thus 
he  taught  her  to  see  the  region  somewhat  as  he  did, 
and  to  find  in  the  general  beauty  definite,  natural 


462  A    YOUXG    GIRL'S   II' GO  ING. 

pictures  that  were  like  flowers  in  the  wilderness. 
She  greatly  enjoyed  watching  with  him  the  wonder 
ful  moonlight  effects  on  the  vast  shaggy  sides  and 
summit  of  High  Peak,  that  reared  its  almost  untrod 
den  solitudes  opposite  the  hotel.  This  mountain 
was  the  favorite  haunt  of  fantastic  clouds.  Some 
times  in  the  form  of  detached  mists  they  would  pass 
up  rapidly  like  white  spectres  from  the  vast  chasm 
of  the  Kaaterskill.  Again  a  heavy  mass  would  set 
tle  on  the  whole  length  of  the  mountain,  the  out 
lines  of  which  would  be  lost,  and  the  whole  take  the 
semblance  of  one  vast  height  crowned  with  the 
moon's  radiance.  Nothing  fascinated  Madge  more 
than  to  observe  how  the  artist  caught  the  essential 
elements  of  beaut}'  in  the  changing  cloud  scenery 
and  reproduced  the  effects  on  a  few  inches  of  canvas, 
and  in  her  better  appreciation  of  similar  scenery 
thereafter,  she  saw  how  true  it  is  that  art  may  be  the 
interpreter  of  nature. 

The  fine  music  and  varied  entertainments  at  the 
house  served  also  to  beguile  her  time.  On  one 
occasion  the  young  people  were  arranging  a  series 
of  tableaux,  and  she  was  asked  to  personate  Jeph- 
tha's  daughter.  When  the  curtain  rose  on  her 
lovely  face  and  large,  dark  eyes,  the  Hebrew  maiden 
and  her  pathetic  history  grew  into  vivid  reality 
against  the  dim  background  of  the  past. 

After  all,  the  time  that  intervened  between  Mon 
day  and  Friday  afternoon  was  spent  in  waiting,  and 
even  the  hours  toward  the  last  were  counted.  The 
expression  in  Graydon's  dark  blue  eyes  was  always 


"Afl'    '/'AT/?    /•'A'/A'AW  463 

the  same  when  he  greeted  her,  and  recalled  the 
line  : 

"  Kinder  than  Love  is  my  true  friend." 

On  Saturdays  they  took  long  tramps,  seeking 
objective  points  far  beyond  the  range  of  ordinary 
ramblers. 


CHAPTER   XL. 

THE    END    OF   THE   WOOING. 

MADGE  had  often  turned  wistful  eyes  toward 
High   Peak,  and  on  the  last  Saturday  before 
their  final  return  to   the  city  she  said  to   Graydon, 
Dare  we  attempt  it  ?     Perhaps  if  we  gave  the  day 
to  the  climb,  and  took  it  leisurely — 

'  There's  no  '  perhaps  '  about  it.  We'll  go  if 
you  wish.  I  should  like  nothing  better  than  to  get 
lost  with  you." 

'  There  is  no  danger  of  getting  lost,"  she  replied, 
hastily.  '  The  hotel  must  be  visible  from  the 
whole  line  of  its  summit,  and  I  am  told  that  there 
is  a  path  to  the  top  of  the  mountain." 

I  will  be  ready  in  half  an  hour,"  he  said. 
It  was  a  lovely  day  in  early  September.  The  air 
was  soft,  yet  cool  and  bracing  enough  to  make 
climbing  agreeable.  Graydon  had  a  lunch  basket, 
which  he  could  sling  over  his  shoulder,  well  filled, 
and  ordered  a  carriage.  '  There  is  no  need  of  our 
tramping  over  the  intervening  miles  of  dusty  roads 
which  must  be  passed  before  we  begin  our  climb," 
he  said,  "  and  the  distance  we  ride  will  make  a 
pleasant  drive  for  Mar}-  and  the  children." 


THE    END    OF    THE    irOOfA'G.  465 

Madge  and  Graydon  reached  the  summit  without 
any  great  difficulty,  Mary  having  returned  with  the 
assurance  that  they  would  find  their  own  way  back 
to  the  hotel. 

As  the  hours  passed,  Graydon  began  to  gather 
more  hope  than  he  had  dared  to  entertain  since  his 
shattered  theory  had  so  disheartened  him.  In  spite 
of  his  fancied  knowledge  about  Madge,  it  was  hard 
to  believe  she  was  very  unhappy  that  morning. 
There  was  an  elasticity  to  her  step,  a  ring  of  genu 
ine  gladness  in  her  tones  and  laugh,  which  did  not 
suggest  that  she  was  consciously  carrying  a  heavy 
burden. 

She  certainly  is  the  bravest  and  most  unselfish 
girl  I  ever  imagined,"  he  thought,  as  they  left  the 
highest  point  after  enjoying  the  view.  '  With  an 
art  so  inimitable  as  to  be  artless,  she  has  tried  to 
give  me  enjoyment.  Instead  of  regarding  herself  as 
one  to  be  entertained,  she  has  been  pouring  forth 
words,  fancies,  snatches  of  song  like  sparkling  wine, 
and  I  am  exhilarated  instead  of  being  wearied." 

When  at  last  they  found  a  spring  at  which  to  eat 
their  lunch,  he  told  her  so,  concluding,  '  This 
mountain  air  does  you  good,  Madge." 

"So  do  you,"    she   replied,  with   a  piquant  nod. 

Don't  be  conceited  when  I  tell  you  that  you  are 
good  company. 

Xo  ;    but  I  can't  help  being  happy." 

"  Oh,  indeed  !  It  doesn't  seem  to  take  much  to 
make  you  happy. " 

Not  very  much   from  you." 

Pass  me   a  biscuit,  Graydon  ;    I  want  something 


466  A    YOUNG   GIRL'S  WOOING. 

more  substantial  than  fine  speeches  after  our  climb. 
Isn't  all  this  truly  Arcadian — this  mossy  rug  on 
which  \vc  have  placed  our  lunch,  the  trees  whisper 
ing  about  us  overhead,  and  the  spring  there  bub 
bling  over  with  something  concerning  which  it  mur 
murs  so  contentedly  ?" 

I  wonder  what  they  think  of  us  !     I  can  imagine 
one  thing. " 

'  You  are  always  imagining.  The  idea  of  your 
being  a  banker  !  Well,  there  is  a  loud  whisper  from 
the  trees.  What  was  remarked  ?" 

'  That  yonder  little  girl  doesn't  look  so  very  un 
happy." 

"  No,  Graydon,"  she  said,  earnestly,  "  you  make 
Saturdays  and  Sundays  very  bright  to  me.  No  girl 
ever  had  a  truer  friend  than  you  are  becoming." 

Have  become,  Madge." 

"  Graydon,"  she  said,  eagerly,  as  if  hastening 
from  dangerous  ground,  "  the  hotel  is  there  just  op 
posite  to  us.  Don't  you  think  we  could  scramble 
down  the  mountain  here,  and  return  by  Kaaterskill 
Clove  and  the  Falls  ?  It  would  be  such  fun,  and 
save  such  a  very  long  distance  !" 

'  We'll  try  it,"  he  said. 

"  Come,"  she  resumed,  brusquely,  "  you  arc 
spoiling  me.  You  say  yes  to  everything.  If  you 
don't  think  it  safe  or  best  you  must  not  humor 
me. " 

'  We  can  soon  learn  whether  it's  safe  and  prac 
ticable,  and  there  is  no  danger  of  losing  our  way. 
We  have  only  to  return  over  the  mountain  in  order 
to  strike  the  path  somewhere  at  right  angles." 


THE   EXD    OF    THE    \VOOE\G.  467 

Let  us  hasten,  then.  I  am  in  the  mood  to  end 
our  sojourn  in  the  Catskills  by  an  hour  or  t\vo  of 
contact  with  nature  absolutely  primitive.  The 
scenes  we  shall  pass  through  will  be  so  pleasant  to 
think  of  by  a  winter  fire." 

Winter  fire  ?  That's  capital  !  You  are  not  go 
ing  back  to  Santa  Barbara,  Madge  ?" 

o 

1  haven't  promised  that,— I  haven't  promised 
anything. " 

No  ;    I  have  done  all  the  promising'." 

You  did  so  of  your  own  free  will." 

And  of  my  own  free  will  shall  keep  my  promises. 
No,  don't  let  us  leave  any  remnants  of  our  lunch. 
Should  we  get  lost  you  will  want  something  more 
substantial  than  fine  speeches." 

1  shall  indeed. " 

Gray  don  filled  from  the  spring  the  bottle  which 
had  contained  milk  ;  and  then  packing  his  little 
hamper  lie  led  the  way  downward,  over  and  through 
obstacles  which  often  involved  no  little  difficulty, 
and  sometimes  almost  danger. 

May  I  help  you  all  I  please?"  he  asked. 

Yes,  when  I  can't  help  myself." 
Then   he   began   to   rejoice  over  the  ruggcdness  of 
the  way,  which   made   it   proper  to  take  her  hand  so 
often,  and  at  times  even  to  lift  her  over  a  fallen  tree. 

What  fun  it  is  !"  cried  Madge. 
"  The  best  I  ever  had,"  he  replied,  promptly. 
But   they  had   not   reali/.ed   the  difficult}'  of  their 
attempt  ;   for  when  little   more  than   half  way  to  the 
foot  of   the   mountain    the}'   came   to   a   ledge  down 
which  there  appeared  no  place  for  safe  descent.      As 


468  A    YOUNG    C7AYAY   IV  00 1 N^. 

they  were  skirting  this  precipice  perilously  near  the 
edge,  he  holding  Madge's  hand,  some  loose  debris 
gave  way  beneath  his  feet. 

Instead  of  instinctively  clinging  to  Madge's  hand, 
even  in  the  act  of  falling  he  threw  it  up  and  around 
a  small  tree,  which  she  grasped,  and  regained  her 
footing,  while  he  went  down  and  disappeared. 

At  first  she  was  so  appalled  that  she  could  do  no 
more  than  clutch  the  tree  convulsively  and  look 
with  blank  horror  at  the  spot  where  she  had  seen 
him  last.  Then  came  the  thought,  "  His  life  may 
now  depend  upon  me." 

The  distance  he  had  fallen  would  not  be  necessa 
rily  fatal,  and  below  the  ledge  there  were  low 
scrubby  trees  that  might  have  broken  the  impetus 
of  his  descent.  She  called  in  tones  that  might 
have  evoked  an  answer  even  from  the  lips  of 
death  ;  then,  with  a  resolution  in  her  pallid  face 
which  nothing  should  daunt,  she  sought  to  reach 
his  side. 

At  first  Graydon  was  utterly  unconscious.  At 
last,  like  a  dim  light  entering  a  darkened  room, 
thought  and  memory  began  to  revive.  He  re 
membered  that  he  had  been  at  Madge's  side,  and 
had  fallen  ;  he  had  grasped  at  branches  of  trees  as 
he  passed  through  them,  and  then  all  had  become 
dark.  He  tried  to  speak,  to  call  his  companion,  but 
found  he  could  not.  He  almost  doubted  whether 
he  was  alive  in  the  flesh.  If  he  were  he  must  have 
received  some  terrible  injury  that  had  caused  a 
strange  paralysis. 

His  confused   thoughts  finallv  centred    wholly  on 


THE    A-AY>    OF    THE    U'OOfiVC.  46^ 

Madge.  Had  she  fallen  ?  The  thought  of  her,  per 
haps  injured,  possibly  lying  unconscious  or  dead 
near  him,  and  he  helpless,  caused  a  dull,  vague 
dread,  like  a  cold  tide,  to  overwhelm  his  very  soul. 
He  tried  to  move,  to  spring  up.  but  only  his  mind 
appeared  free.  Then  he  thought  he  recognized  her 
voice  calling  in  the  distance.  Soon,  with  alterna 
tions  of  hope  and  fear,  he  heard  her  steps  and  voice 
draw  nearer.  She  had  evidently  found  a  way  down 
the  ledge,  and  was  coming  along  its  base  toward 
him  -coming  swiftly,  almost  reckless!)'. 

She  was  at  his  side.  Her  low,  terror-stricken  cry 
chilled  his  heart.  Was  lie  dead  ?  and  was  it  his 
sold  only,  line- -jring  in  the  body,  that  was  cogni/.ant 
of  all  this  ? 

1  ler  hand  was  on  his  pulse,  then  inside  his  vest 
against  his  heart. 

"  Oli,"  she  moaned,  "  can  lie  be  dying  or  dead  ?  I 
can't  find  his  pulse,  nor  does  his  heart  seem  to  beat, 
lie;  is  so  pale,  so  deathly  pale,  even  to  his  lips.  " 

He  knew  that  she  was  lifting  him  into  a  different 
and  easier  position,  and  wondered  at  the  muscular 
power  she  exerted,  even  under  excitement. 

'Why,  why,"  she  exclaimed  in  horror,  "he  is 
cold,  strangely  cold!  Ilis  hands  and  brow  are 
almost  like  ice,  and  wet  with  the  dew  of  death." 

She  was  not  aware  of  the  fact  that  extreme  cold 
ness  and  a  clammy  perspiration  would  be  among  the 
results  of  such  a  severe  shock. 

"(iraydon,"  she  gasped,  (iraydon  !'  Then 
after  a  moment:  "O  (lod,  if  he  should  never 
know  !" 


47°  A    YOUNC,    GIRL'S   II'OOLVG. 

She  chafed  his  hands  and  wrists,  opened  the  lunch 
basket,  and  found  that  the  bottle  containing  water 
was  not  broken,  for  he  felt  drops  dashed  on  his  face, 
and  his  lips  moistened  ;  but  the  same  stony  paraly 
sis  enchained  him.  Then  she  sent  out  her  voice  {or 
help,  and  there  was  agony,  terror,  and  heart-break 
in  her  cry. 

Realizing  the  futility  of  this  on  the  lonely  moun 
tain-side,  she  soon  ceased,  and  again  sought,  with 
almost  desperate  energy,  to  restore  him,  crying  and 
moaning  meanwhile  in  a  way  that  smote  his  heart. 
At  last  she  threw  herself  on  his  breast  with  the  bit 
ter  cry  : 

"  O  Graydon,  Graydon,  are  you  dying  ?  Will 
you  never  know  ?  O  my  heart's  true  love,  shall  I 
never  have  a  chance  to  tell  you  that  it  was  you  I 
loved — you  only  !  It  was  for  you  I  went  away  alone 
to  die,  I  feared.  For  you  I  struggled  back  to  life, 
and  toiled  and  prayed  that  I  might  be  your  fair 
ideal  ;  and  now  you  may  never  know.  Graydon, 
Graydon,  I  would  give  you  the  very  blood  out  of  my 
heart —  O  God,  I  can't  restore  him  !"  she  moaned, 
in  a  choking  voice,  and  then  he  knew  from  her 
dead  weight  upon  his  breast  that  she  had  fainted. 

This  mental  anguish  and  the  effort  he  put  forth 
to  respond  to  these  words  caused  great  beads  of 
sweat  to  start  out  upon  his  face.  Suddenly,  as  if  a 
giant  hand  was  lifted,  the  effects  of  the  shock  result 
ing  from  his  fall  passed  away.  He  opened  his  eyes, 
and  there  was  Madge,  with  her  face  buried  upon  his 
breast,  in  brief  oblivion  from  fears  that  threatened 
to  crush  at  once  hope  and  life. 


THE    EXn    OI<     THE    U'OOIXG.  471 

To  his  great  joy  he  found  that  he  could  move. 
Feebly,  and  with  great  difficulty,  he  lifted  her  head 
and  tried  to  regain  his  feet.  lie  foun*l  this  impos 
sible,  and  soon  realized  that  his  leg  was  broken. 
He  now  saw  that  he  must  act  wisely  and  carefully, 
or  their  plight  would  be  serious  indeed  ;  and  yet  his 
mind  was  in  such  a  tumult  of  immeasurable  joy.  at 
his  discovery  that  he  would  not  in  the  least  regret 
the  accident,  if  assured  of  her  safety. 

At  last,  in  response  to  his  efforts,  she  began  to 
revive.  The  sense  of  responsibility,  the  necessity 
for  action  on  her  part,  had  been  so  great  immedi 
ately  before  she  had  fainted  under  the  stress  of  one 
overwhelming  fear,  that  her  mind,  even  during  un 
consciousness,  may  have  put  forth  effort  to  regain  its 
hold  upon  sense.  She  found  herself  leaning  against 
a  prostrate  tree,  and  Graydon  sitting  near,  speaking 
to  her  in  soothing  and  encouraging  tones. 

In  response  to  her  bewildered,  troubled  look  of 
inquiry,  he  said,  cheerfully,  and  in  natural  tones, 

Don't   worry,  Madge,  or  be  frightened." 
'  What  has  happened,  Graydon  ?" 

I'll  tell  you  what  I  know,  and  you  must  supply 
the  rest.  We  were  proceeding  along  that  ledge 
above  us,  and  trying  to  find  a  safe  place  to  climb 
down. 

A  slow  deep  color  began  to  take  the  place  of  her 
pallor,  showing  that  her  own  memory  was  supplying 
all  that  had  occurred. 

'  You   know    I    fell,    Madge.      Thank   God,  1    did 
not  carry  you  down  with  me  !" 

"Any     other     man     would,"     she     said,     almost 


472  A    YOl'XC,    CIKi:s   IV 00 ING. 

brusquely.       '  You   threw  my  hand   back  around  a 
tree." 

"  Did  I  ?"  exclaimed  Graydon,  very  innocently 
and  gladly.  '  Well,  everything  became  very  con 
fused  after  that.  I  must  have  been  unconscious.  I 
do  remember  grasping  at  the  branches  as  I  passed 
through  these  low  trees  above  us — 

'  You  must  have  caught  one  of  them,  Graydon," 
she  said,  eagerly,  turning  toward  him  again,  "  for  a 
large  limb  had  broken  off  and  was  lying  upon 
you. " 

Was  it  so  ?  Perhaps  I  owe  it  a  good  turn,  for 
it  may  have  so  broken  my  fall  as  to  have  saved  my 
life.  Well,  in  some  way,  you,  true,  brave  little  girl, 
you  must  have  reached  me,  and,  finding  that  you 
could  not  restore  me,  and  imagining  I  was  dead  or 
dying,  you  fainted  yourself  from  the  nervous  shock  of 
it  all.  When  I  recovered  the  use  of  my  senses  I 
found  evidence  that  you  had  been  trying  to  revive 
me.  Now,  Madge,  we  must  both  be  brave  and 
sensible.  We  must  regain  the  full  possession  of 
our  wits  as  soon  as  possible.  Can  you  be  very 
brave  and  sensible  (to  use  your  favorite  word)  if  I 
tell  you  something?" 

Yes,  Graydon,"  she  said.  '  I  can  do  anything, 
now  that  I  know  you  are  going  to  live." 

I  am  very  much  alive,  and  shall  be  thoroughly 
conscious  of  the  fact  for  some  time  to  come.  You 
must  keep  perfectly  cool  and  rational,  for  what  has 
happened  is  a  very  serious  affair  under  the  circum 
stances."  Her  scarlet  face  was  turned  from  him 


THE   EXD    OF    THE    WOOIXG.  473 

again.      "  Madge,"  he    concluded,  in    quiet    tones, 
I've  broken  my  leg." 

Is  that  all?"  she  said,  with  a  look  of  intense 
relief. 

Isn't  that  enough?     I'm  helpless." 

I'm  not,"  and  she  sprung  to  her  feet.  '  Why, 
Graydon,  it  might  have  been  a  hundredfold  worse. 
I  thought  it  was  immeasurably  worse,"  she  said, 
suppressing  a  sob.  '  You  might  have  been  killed. 
See  how  far  you  fell  !  I  feared  you  might  have  re 
ceived  some  terrible  internal  injury — 

I  have  ;  but  that's  a  chronic  affair,  as  you 
know,"  he  interrupted,  laughing. 

His  mirth  and  allusion  did  more  to  restore  her 
than  all  else,  for  he  appeared  the  same  friend  that 
she  thought  she  had  lost. 

Now  that  it  is  so  evident  that  you  will  survive 
all  your  injuries,"  she  resumed,  with  an  answering 
laugh,  "  I  am  myself  again.  You  direct  me  what 
to  do." 

I  shall,  indeed,  have  to  depend  on  you  almost 
wholly  ;  and  the  fact  that  another  must  look  to  you 
in  such  a  strait  will  do  more  to  keep  you  up  than  all 
cordials  and  stimulants.  I  can  do  very  little  my 
self—" 

Forgive  me,  Graydon.  You  know  I  am  not 
indifferent.  Are  you  in  much  pain  ?"  and  her  voice 
\vas  very  gentle. 

Not  yet.  You  must  act  contrary  to  y<  ir  in 
stincts  for  once,  and  exert  all  your  ingenuity  to  at 
tract  attention.  First,  we  must  have  a  fire  ;  mean- 


474  -•'    YOUNG   GIXL'S  ll'OOIA'G. 

\vhilc  I  shall  light  a  cigar,  which  \vill  help  me  think 
and  banish  the  impression  that  \ve  are  lost  babes  in 
the  woods.  The  smoke,  you  see,  will  draw  eyes  to 
this  spot — the  smoke  of  the  fire,  I  mean." 

;'  I'm  following  you  correctly." 

You  must  have  followed  me  very  bravely, 
heroic  little  woman  that  you  are  !  You  are  indeed 
unlike  other  girls,  who  would  never  have  reached 
me  except  by  tumbling  after — 

"  Come,  no  more  reminiscences  till  you  are  safe 
at  the  hotel,  and  your  leg  mended." 

"  Very  well.  I  direct,  but  you  command.  As  soon 
as  we  have  a  column  of  smoke  ascending  from  this 
point,  you  must  try  to  find  an  open  space  near  here, 
and  wave  something  white  as  a  signal  of  distress." 

He  had  scarcely  concluded  before  she  was  at 
work.  The  prostrate  tree  against  which  he  had 
managed  to  place  her  at  such  pain  to  his  broken 
limb  served  as  a  back-log,  and  soon  a  column  of 
smoke  was  ascending.  At  times  she  would  turn  a 
shy,  half-doubting,  half-questioning  glance  at  him, 
but  he  would  smile  so  naturally  and  speak  so  frankly 
that  the  suspicion  that  he  had  heard  her  words 
almost  passed  from  her  mind. 

Madge,"  he  said,  "  in  finding  an  outlook 
toward  the  hotel  or  valley,  don't  go  far  away,  if 
possible.  It  makes  me  awfully  nervous  to  think  of 
you  climbing  alone." 

Sin  found  a  projecting  rock  beneath  them  within 
calling  distance,  and  on  an  extemporized  pole  she- 
fastened  the  napkins.  At  his  suggestion  she  waved 
them  only  downward  and  upward,  at  the  same  time 


THE   F..YD    OF    THE    IVOOIXC.  475 

sending  out  her  powerful  voice  from  time  to  time  in 
a  cry  for  help. 

lie,  left  alone,  sometimes  groaned  from  an  un 
usually  severe  twinge  of  pain,  and  again  laughed 
softly  to  himself  over  the  situation.  He  knew  that 
the  question  of  their  being  sought  and  found  was 
only  one  of  time,  and  he  would  have  been  willing 
to  have  had  all  his  bones  broken  should  this  have 
been  needful  to  secure  the  knowledge  which  now 
thrilled  his  very  soul  with  gladness.  The  past  grew 
perfectly  clear,  and  the  pearl  of  a  woman  who  had 
given  herself  to  him  so  long  ago  gained  a  more 
priceless  value  with  every  moment's  thought.  "Ah, 
sweet  Madge  !  I'm  the  blessed  idiot  you  loved  and 
toiled  for  at  Santa  Barbara  !  I  shouldn't  have  be 
lieved  that  such  a  thing  could  happen  in  this  hum 
drum  world. " 

Nor  would  it  seem  that  the  attention  of  even  a 
fraction  of  that  great  world  could  be  obtained. 
The  shadows  of  evening  began  to  gather,  and 
Madge,  at  Graydon's  call,  returned,  wearied  and 
somewhat  discouraged. 

Cheer  up,"  he  said.  '  It  is  only  a  question  of 
time.  We  shall  soon  be  missed,  and  our  signals 
will  be  more  effective  when  it  is  dark".  See,  we 
:  hall  not  starve.  I  have  been  getting  supper  for 
you.  Keeping  the  remnants  of  our  lunch  wasn't  a 
bad  idea,  was  it  .'' ' 

Keeping  up  your  courage  and  mine  is  a  better 
one.  Graydon,  I  fear  you  are  suffering  very  much." 

"()  Madge,  armies  of  men  have  broken  their 
legs  !  That's  nothing  but  a  little  disagreeable  prose, 


476  A    YOUNG    GIRL'S   WOOING. 

while  this  adventure  with  you  is  something  to  talk 
and  laugh  over  all  our  lives.  I've  cut  my  boot  off 
and  bandaged  my  leg  as  well  as  I  could,  and  am 
now  hungry.  That's  a  good  sign.  I  shall  be  posi 
tively  hilarious  if  you  make  as  good  supper  as  this 
meagre  spread  permits.  Take  a  little  water,  for 
your  throat  must  be  parched.  You  will  have  to 
drink  it  from  the  bottle,  Pat's  fashion,  for  my 
rubber  cup  is  broken." 

'  Indeed,  a  little  water  is  all  I  want  at  present, 
and  I  must  gather  wood  for  the  fire  before  it  is 
darker." 

'Very  well,"  he  said,  laughing;  "supper  shall 
wait  for  you. " 

The  vicinity  appeared  as  if  never  before  visited, 
and  there  was  an  abundance  of  dead  and  decaying 
wood  lying  about.  When  she  had  secured  a  large 
quantity  of  this  she  came  and  sat  down  by  the  fire, 
and  said,  "  I  will  take  a  little  supper  now,  and  then 
it  will  be  so  dark  that  we  can  signal  in  some  other 
way." 

Madge,"  said  Graydon,  earnestly,  "  it  has  cut 
me  to  the  heart  to  lie  helplessly  here  and  sec  you 
doing  work  so  unsuitable." 

"  Nothing  could  be  more  suitable  under  the  cir 
cumstances.  You  do  think  we  shall  be  found  soon  ? 
Oh,  I'm  so  worried  about  you  !" 

More,  then,  than  I  am  about  myself.  I  shall 
have  to  play  invalid  for  some  time.  Won'  c  you  be 
my  nurse  occasionally  ?" 

'  Yes,  Graydon,  all  I  can." 

'  Why,  then,  don't   worry  about  me  at  all.      The 


THE    A'AY'    OF    THE    irOOLVG.  477 

prospect  makes  me   fairly   happy.      Come,  no\v,  eat 
the  whole  of  that  sandwich.' 

She  complied,  looking  thoughtfully  into  the  fire 
meanwhile.  By  the  light  of  the  flickering  blaze  he 
saw  the  trouble  and  worry  pass  from  her  brow  and 
the  expression  of  her  face  grow  as  quiet  and  con 
tented  as  that  of  a  child's.  At  last  she  said, 

Well,  this  does  seem  cosey  and  companionable,  in 
spite  of  everything.  There,  forgive  me,  Graydon  ; 
I  forgot  for  the  moment  that  you  were  in  pain." 

'  \Va.s  1  ?  I  forgot  it,  too.  Sitting  there  in  the 
firelight,  you  suggested  the  sweetest  picture  I  ever 
hope  to  see." 

You  can't  be  ///  extremis  when  you  begin  to 
compliment. " 

Don't  you  wish  to  know  what  the  picture  was  ?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  if  it  will  help  you  pass  the  time  !" 

I  saw  you  sitting  by  a  hearth,  and  I  thought,  '  If 
that  hearth  were  mine  it  would  be  the  loveliest  pict 
ure  the  world  had  known.'  Xow  you  see  what  an 
egotist  I  am.  You  look  so  enchanting  in  that  fire 
light  that  I  cannot  resist-  I  would  try  so  hard  to 
be  worthy  of  you,  Madge.  Make  your  own  terms 
again,  as  I  said  once  to  you  before." 

My  own  terms?"  she  repeated,  turning  a  sud 
den  and  searching  glance  upon  him.  '  Then  tell 
me,  did  you  hear  what  I  said  this  afternoon  when  I 
first  found  you  ?" 

Me    hesitated    a  moment,  and    then    said,  firmly  : 

Yes,  every  word  ;  but,  Madge,  you  must  not 
punish  me  for  what  I  could  not  help.  It  would  not 
be  ri<rht." 


478  A     YOTArC   C//AV/.V   U'OOIXC. 

"  Could  you  hear  me  and  yet— 

I  could  hear  you  and  yet  could  not  move  a 
muscle  until  you  fainted,  and  then  my  intense 
mental  excitement  and  solicitude  must  have  broken 
the  paralysis  caused  by  the  shock  of  my  fall.  O 
Madge,  look  at  me  !  Only  a  false  pride  can  come 
between  us  now.  My  love  is  not  worthy  to  be 
compared  with  yours,  but  it  is  genuine,  and  it  will 
— it  7t'///  last  as  long;  as  I  do.  I  shall  bless  this  acci 
dent  and  all  the  pain  I  must  suffer  if  they  bring  you 
to  me." 

She  sprung  to  his  side,  and  putting  her  arm 
around  his  neck  said,  "  Graydon,  on  the  evening 
after  your  return  I  told  you  I  couldn't  be  your  sis 
ter.  You  know  why  now,  and  you  uttered  these 
words,  '  I  shall  have  to  take  you  as  you  are  if  I  ever 
find  out.  I  meant  to  win  you  if  I  could,  but  only 
by  being  such  a  girl  as  I  thought  you  would  love. 
Now  you  know  the  mystery  of  the  little  ghost,  and 
you  can  bring  to  me  that  '  idiot  '  who  didn't  return 
my  love,  as  often  as  you  choose." 

'  Thank    Heaven    for   what    I    escaped  !      Thank 
God  for  what  I  have  won  !"  he  exclaimed. 

:>  Won  ?  Nonsense  !  You  have  been  won,  not  I. 
O  Graydon,  wouldn't  you  have  been  amazed  and 
horrified  if  you  had  been  told,  years  ago,  that  the 
little  ghost  would  go  deliberately  to  work  to  woo  a 
man  and  take  him  from  another  girl  ?  Think  how 
dreadful  it  sounds  !  but  you  shall  now  know  the 
worst. " 

'  It's  music  that  wi1!  fill  my  life  with  gladness. 
Mow  exquisitely  fine  your  nature  is,  that  you  could 


THE   END    OF    THE    IVOUINC,.  479 

do  this  with  such  absolute  maidenly  reserve  !      Sup 
pose  1  had  become  Stella  Wildmcre's  bondman  ?" 

"  I  should  have  gone  back  to  Santa  Barbara,  and 
kept  my  secret." 

"  Horrible  !" 

"  1  said  you  knew  all,  but  I  am  mistaken.  Now, 
don't  be  shocked  back  into  your  kind  of  uncon 
sciousness  again.  I  did  another  horrid  thing.  I 
listened  and  learned  about  the  plot  by  which 
Arnault  meant  to  bring  Miss  Wildmere  to  a  deci 
sion  against  you  ;"  and  she  told  him  the  circum 
stances,  and  what  had  passed  between  herself  and 
Henry. 

His  arm  tightened  around  her  almost  convul 
sively.  "Madge,"  he  cried,  "you  have  not  only 
brought  me  happiness — you  have  saved  me  from  a 
bitter,  lifelong  self-reproach  far  worse  than  pov 
erty.  How  can  1  ever  show  sufficient  devotion  in 
return  for  all  this  ?" 

By  being  sensible,  and  telling  me  how  to  make 
signals,  now  that  it  is  as  dark  as  it  will  be  this 
moonlit  night." 

Let  me  lean  on  you,  as  I  ever  shall  figuratively 
hereafter.  We  will  go  down  to  the  outlook  you 
found,  build  another  fire,  and  wave  burning  brands." 

This  was  done.  Henry  Muir,  who  had  grown 
very  solicitous,  saw  their  signals,  and  promptly  or 
ganized  a  rescuing  party.  A  wood-road  led  well  up 
toward  their  position,  and  with  the  aid  of  some 
employes  of  the  house  he  at  last  rescued  them. 
Graydon  was  weak  and  exhausted  from  pain  by 
the  time  he  reached  the  hotel,  yet  felt  that  his 


480  A    YOUNG   GIRL  S   WOOING. 

happiness  had  been  purchased  at  very  slight  cost. 
The  next  day  he  was  taken  to  his  city  home,  and 
Madge  filled  the  days  of  his  convalescence  with  such 
varied  entertainment  that  he  threatened  to  break  his 
leg  again.  She  had  so  trained  her  voice  that  she 
read  or  sung  with  almost  tireless  ease.  To  furnish 
home  music,  to  shine  in  the  light  of  her  own  hearth, 
had  been  the  dream  of  her  ambition  ;  and  to  the 
man  she  had  won  she  made  that  hearth  the  centre 
of  the  gentle  force  which  controlled  and  blessed  his 
life. 

But  little  further  remains  to  be  said  concerning  the 
other  characters  of  this  story.  The  severe  lesson  re 
ceived  by  Stella  Wildmere  had  a  permanent  effect 
upon  her  character.  It  did  not  result  in  a  very  high 
type  of  womanhood,  for  the  limitations  of  her  na 
ture  scarcely  permitted  this  ;  but  it  brought  about 
decided  changes  for  the  better.  She  was  endowed 
with  fair  abilities  and  a  certain  hard,  practical  sense, 
which  enabled  her  to  see  the  folly  of  her  former 
scheme  of  life.  Blind,  inconsiderate  selfishness, 
which  asked  only,  "What  do  I  wish  the  present 
moment?"  had  brought  humiliation  and  disaster, 
and,  as  her  father  had  suggested,  she  possessed  too 
much  mind  to  repeat  that  blunder.  She  recognized 
that  she  could  not  ignore  natural  laws  and  duties 
and  go  very  far  in  safety.  Therefore,  instead  of 
qucrulousness  and  repining,  or  showing  useless  re 
sentment  toward  her  father  for  misfortunes  which 
she  had  done  nothing  to  avert,  she  stepped  bravely 
and  helpfully  to  his  side,  and  amid  all  the  chaos  of 
the  financial  storm  that  was  wrecking  him  he  was 


THE    END    OF    THE    WOOING.  481 

happier  than  he  had  been  for  years.  Her  beloved 
jewelry,  and  everything  that  could  be  legally  saved 
trom  their  dismantled  home,  \vas  disposed  of  to  the 
best  advantage.  Then  very  modest  apartments 
\vere  taken  in  a  suburb,  and  both  she  and  her  father 
began  again.  lie  obtained  a  clerkship  at  a  small 
-alary,  and  she  aided  her  mother  in  making  every 
dollar  go  as  far  as  possible. 

Arnault  had  thought,  under  the  impulse  of  his 
pride,  that  he  could  renounce  her  forever,  but  found 
himself  mistaken.  She  \vould  not  depart  from  such 
heart  as  he  possessed,  nor  could  he  break  the  spell 
of  her  fascination.  His  interest  grew  so  absorbing 
that  he  kept  himself  informed  about  the  changes 
die  was  passing  through,  and  her  manner  of  meeting 
them.  As  a  result,  his  practical  soul  was  filled  with 
admiration,  and  he  felt  that  she  of  all  others  would 
be  the  wife  for  a  man  embarked  on  the  uncertain 
tides  of  Wall  Street.  At  last  he  wrote  to  her  and 
renewed  his  offer.  The  reply  was  characteristic. 

4  Your  offer  comes  too  late.  If,  instead  of  being 
one  of  the  principal  actors  in  that  humiliating  little 
drama  of  my  life,  you  had  stood  by  me  patiently 
and  faithfully,  I  would  have  given  you  at  once  my 
deepest  gratitude  and,  eventually,  my  love.  1  did 
not  deserve  such  constancy,  but  1  would  have  re 
warded  it  to  the  extent  of  my  ability.  You  thought 
I  was  mercenary.  I  was,  and  have  been  punished  ; 
but  you  forget  that  you  made  my  mercenary  spirit 
your  all}-,  and  kept  me  from  becoming  engaged  to 
the  man  whom  you  well  knew  that  I  preferred.  My 
regard  for  him  is  not  so  deep,  however,  but  that  I 


shall  survive  and  face  my  altered  fortunes  bravely. 
If  you  had  been  kind  to  me  during  those  bitter 
days, — if  you  had  kept  my  father  from  failure,  in 
stead  of  deserting  him  after  he  had  done  his  best 
for  you, — he  did  clohis  best  foryou, — I  should  have 
valued  you  more  than  your  wealth,  and  proved  it  by 
my  life.  I  have  since  learned  that  I  am  not  afraid 
of  poverty,  and  that  I  must  find  truer  friends." 

Arnault,  like  so  many  others,  turned  from  what 
"might  have  been"  to  his  pursuit  of  gold,  but  it 
had  lost  its  brightness  forever. 

An  old  admirer  of  Stella's,  a  plain,  sturdy  busi 
ness  man,  to  whom  she  had  scarcely  given  a  thought 
in  her  palmy  days,  eventually  renewed  his  atten 
tions,  and  won  as  much  love  as  the  girl  probably 
could  have  given  to  any  one.  By  his  aid  she  re 
stored  her  father's  broken  fortunes  and  established 
them  on  a  modest  but  secure  basis,  and  she  proved 
to  her  husband  a  sensible  wife,  always  recognizing 
that  in  promoting  his  best  interests  and  happiness 
she  secured  her  own. 

Dr.  Sommers  is  still  the  genial  physician  and  the 
Izaak  Walton  of  the  Catskills.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
\Vendall  are  "  plodding  toward  home"  with  a  resig 
nation  that  is  almost  cheerful. 

Henry  Muir  continues  devoted  to  business,  and 
his  wife  is  devoted  to  him.  He  rarely  permits  a 
suitable  opportunity  to  pass  without  remarking  that 
the  two  sisters  are  the  "  most  sensible  women  in 
the  world. " 

THE    END. 


E.  P.  XOE'S  POPULAR  NOVELS. 


The  late  DR.  RIPI.KV,  the  -ccttran  critic  of  the  NCIV  York  7'noune,  ?<w.i 
(';/(•  of  the  first  to  recognize  MR.  ROE'S  success  as  a  writer  of  fiction.  7  hi 
',  Halving  paragraph  from  an  extended  review  of  *' Barriers  Jlnmed  Aivav" 
Mr.  R^e's  first  work,  was  from  his  fen  and  appeared  soon  after  its  fublica 
lion. 

"  We  can  (has  accord  a  hearty  commendation  to  this  work,  regarded 
as  an  imaginative  composition.  The  narrative  is  vigorous,  often  ir» 
tense,  Init  rarely  if  ever  melodramatic.  Its  language  is  usually  no  less 
chaste  than  forcible  and  impressive.  It  betrays  a  power  of  invention 
:md  of  description  which  is  not  met  with  every  day  fn  the  best  of  wri 
(cis  of  popular  fiction." — Dr.  Ripley  in  thf  X.  Y.  Tribune. 


The  following  figures  will  best  indicate  the  verdict  of  the 
upon  MR.  Ron's  stories. 

Barriers  Burned  Away, 

above  referred  to,  is  in  its  49th  thousand 

What  Can  She  Do? 


Opening  of  a  Chestnut  Burr, 

From  Jest  to   Earnest, 

Near  to  Nature's    Heart, 

A  Knight  of  the  XlXth  Century, 

A  Face  Illumined, 

A   Day  of  Fate, 

Without  a   Home, 

His  Sombre  Rivals, 

EACH   1  VOL.,  12mo,  SI.  50. 

DODD,    MEAD   &   COMPANY 

PUHI.ISHKRS,      NKVV     Y 


33d  thousam! 
49th  thousand. 
44th  thousand. 
5'9th  thousand 
39th  thousand 
38th  thousand 
39th  thousand 
46th  thousand 
33d  thousand 


R.    P.    JROR'S    POPULAR    STORIXS. 


Without  <t  Home. 


Near  to  Nature's  Heart. 


'  His  heroine  is  ;i  pure  child  of  nature,  with  a  limited  experience  of  life,  and 


none  of  society  ;   but  her  artless  character  combines  a  treasure  of  noble   principle, 


i  high-souled    conduct,  which    is   rarely   found   among  the 


fruits  of  the  choicest  culture." — New   York  Tribune. 


frotn  Jest  to  Rat-nest. 


plai  e.      The  change  in  Lottie  s  character  i 


lelineated,  and  with  a  naturalness  and  artistic  skill    which  v\ 


els.    —Harper  s  Magazine. 


A   Day  of  h'ate. 

"  It  is  a  love-story,  pure  and  simple,  of  the  type  that  belongs  to  nn  age  01 
c!i::ie  or  school,  because  it  is  the  story  of  the  love  that  has  been  common  to 
humanity,  wherever  it  has  been  lifted  above  the  level  of  brutes."— New  Yi<rk 
Observer. 

A  Kniaht  of  the   A '/AY//    Century. 

"Enhances    the  author's   already   well-established    reputation.       Mr.   Roe  is 

seM~ati»nal,  but    to  a  decree    that    is    not    unhealthy,  and    his    hooks    \\ill    be   less 
ephemeral  than  the  general  run  of  religious  novels."- --Sprhigjielit  Republican. 

Harrier*   linrned    .1  irai/. 

"We  can  accord  a  hearty  commendation  to  this  work.  The  narrative  is 
vigorous,  often  intense,  but  rarely  if  ever  melodramatic.  Its  language  is  usually 
no  less  chaste  than  forcible  and  impressive.  It  betrays  a  power  of  invention  and 
description  which  is  not  met  with  every  day  in  the  best  of  writers  of  popular 
fiction."— Dr.  Kiplty,  in  the  AVri'  York  Tribune. 

Ojtenina  of  a   Client  nut  l>nrr. 

"The  character  of  the  selfish,  morbid,  cynical  hero,  and  his  gradual  trans 
formation  under  the  influence  of  the  sweet  and  high-spirited  heroine,  are  portray 
ed  with  a  masculine  firmness  which  is  near  akin  to  power,  and  some  of  the  con 
versations  are  animated  and  admirable." — Atlantic  Monthly. 

W  hat  Can  She  Do? 

"  The  moral  purpose  of  this  book  is  amply  worthy  of  the  author's  zeal.  It  is 
that  young  women  should  he  educated  in  such  a  way  that  if  left  without  money 
they  shall  be  able  to  support  themselves.  Mr.  Roe  is  especially  severe  on  our 
American  vice  of  '  pride  of  occupation.'  "-  -AVrc  York  Evening  Tost . 

A   Vacc  lllmnineil. 

"It  is  certain  that  this  popular  writer  has  done  nothing  quite  so  good,  or  quite 
so  well  studied  in  us  method  as  this."— .W:u  3  'ark  Evening  /W. 

JFis  Sombre  Jticals. 

"  Is  really  entitled  to  he  considered  a  national  novel.  It  deals  with  the  stir 
ring  events  of  the  Civil  \Var.  The  description  of  the  battle  of  Hull  Run  is  the 
finest  piece  of  descriptive  writing  we  have  read  for  a  long  time." — Boston 
Commonwealth. 

DODD,   MEAD  &  COMPANY,   PUBLISHERS, 
755    BROADWAY,    NEW  YORK. 


II I    I 

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